Report Conversion Therapy in Sacramento, California

Civil Rights and Equity California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

Sacramento, California residents who suspect licensed providers are using conversion therapy practices can file complaints with the relevant state licensing boards and local offices. This guide explains where to report practices, what evidence to collect, the likely enforcement paths, and how to appeal or seek support within Sacramento.

Where to Report

If the provider is a licensed mental health professional (psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, professional clinical counselor) file a complaint with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. California Board of Behavioral Sciences - File a Complaint[1]

If the provider is a medical doctor or psychiatrist, use the Medical Board of California complaint process. Medical Board of California - File a Complaint[2]

For reference to the state law that prohibited licensed mental health providers from performing conversion therapy on minors, consult the official legislative information for SB 1172. California Legislative Information - SB 1172 (2012)[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for licensed-provider conversion therapy practices is handled by the applicable state licensing board. Boards may investigate complaints, hold hearings, and impose disciplinary measures including suspension or revocation of a license; specific fine amounts and penalty schedules are not specified on the cited complaint pages and must be determined in each disciplinary action.

Board discipline can include license revocation or probation.
  • Enforcer: California Board of Behavioral Sciences for MFTs/LCSWs/LPCCs, Medical Board of California for physicians and psychiatrists.
  • Investigation: boards open investigations after a complaint is received and may request records or statements.
  • Hearings and sanctions: disciplinary hearings may lead to orders, probation, suspensions, license revocation, or other corrective actions.
  • Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Appeals and time limits: appeal routes and statutory time limits vary by board; appeal procedures are described on each board's discipline or administrative hearing pages and may include deadlines to request rehearing or judicial review.

Common violations and likely disciplinary outcomes:

  • Providing conversion therapy to minors in violation of state law - possible license discipline.
  • False advertising or misrepresentation of treatment - investigation and corrective orders.
  • Failure to keep adequate records related to treatment - admonishments or probationary requirements.

Applications & Forms

The licensing boards provide complaint forms and instructions on their sites; use the Board of Behavioral Sciences complaint form for mental health professionals and the Medical Board complaint form for physicians. Submission methods, required attachments, and contact addresses are listed on each board page. If a specific form number or fee is required, that detail is provided on the board's complaint page linked above and not specified here.

Keep copies of all communications, billing records, and any written treatment plans or emails.

How-To

Follow these step-by-step actions to file a complaint and help ensure an effective review.

  1. Document: collect dates, session notes, written communications, names of witnesses, and any receipts or ads describing the therapy.
  2. Identify the licensure: confirm the provider's license type and number if available from the board lookup tool on the relevant board site.
  3. Contact the board: file the online or paper complaint through the Board of Behavioral Sciences or Medical Board pages linked above[1][2].
  4. Respond to requests: supply records or statements promptly if the board investigator asks for them.
  5. Follow up and appeal: track the complaint number, review any investigative findings, and follow the board's appeal or rehearing instructions if you disagree with the outcome.
Seek local advocacy or legal counsel if you need immediate protection or civil remedies.

FAQ

Who can file a complaint about conversion therapy?
Any client, family member, or third party with direct knowledge of the provider's conduct can file a complaint with the appropriate licensing board.
What evidence helps a complaint?
Session notes, emails, advertising materials, witness contact details, billing records, and any written treatment plans are useful.
Will filing a complaint stop the therapy immediately?
Filing a complaint begins an investigation but does not automatically stop treatment; for immediate safety concerns, contact local authorities or emergency services.
If a minor is at imminent risk, contact law enforcement or child protective services immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • File complaints with the state licensing board that regulates the provider.
  • Collect clear, dated evidence and keep records of all communications.
  • Boards can impose non-monetary sanctions such as suspension or revocation; monetary fines are handled case by case.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] California Board of Behavioral Sciences - File a Complaint
  2. [2] Medical Board of California - File a Complaint
  3. [3] California Legislative Information - SB 1172 (2012)

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