San Bernardino Conversion Therapy Ban Guide
In San Bernardino, California, licensed mental-health providers are barred from providing conversion therapy to minors under California law; this statewide prohibition is the primary legal protection in the city [1]. Local municipal code specific to conversion therapy was not located on the city site; enforcement and complaints are handled through state licensing boards and professional discipline processes [2].
What the ban covers
The state prohibition applies to licensed mental-health professionals working with minors and generally covers practices intended to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Private religious counseling outside the scope of professional licensure may be treated differently under law and First Amendment considerations; consult counsel for specific questions.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is primarily through professional licensing and discipline rather than a standalone municipal fine schedule in San Bernardino. Details on monetary fines are not specified on the cited page; licensing boards use disciplinary procedures that can include sanctions, license suspension or revocation, and orders to cease unlawful practice [2].
- Enforcer: state licensing boards for mental-health professions, including the Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology; complaints are filed with the relevant board [2].
- Inspection/complaint pathway: submit a complaint to the applicable state board; local city code enforcement is not the primary path for licensed-practice claims.
- Fines/penalties: specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited pages and may depend on board disciplinary decisions.
- Escalation: disciplinary sanctions may escalate from reprimands to suspension or revocation; precise escalation rules and timelines are set by board procedures and are not specified on the cited pages.
- Appeals/review: affected licensees typically have administrative appeal rights under state administrative procedures; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
Applications & Forms
To report conversion-therapy conduct by a licensed provider, use the complaint form or online complaint submission on the relevant state licensing board page; the complaint form and submission instructions are available from the Board of Behavioral Sciences complaint pages [2]. If the matter concerns an unlicensed provider, local police or civil counsel may be appropriate.
Common violations
- Providing counseling or treatment to a minor with the intent to change sexual orientation or gender identity without documented clinical justification.
- Failing to obtain informed consent while presenting conversion-focused interventions.
- Advertising conversion therapy services to or about minors.
Action steps
- Document dates, session notes, communications, and witness information.
- File a complaint with the applicable state licensing board (see Resources below) [2].
- Contact local public behavioral-health services if urgent safety or ongoing support is needed.
- Consider civil remedies or consult an attorney for claims not covered by licensing discipline.
FAQ
- Does San Bernardino have a city ordinance banning conversion therapy?
- There is no specific San Bernardino municipal ordinance found on the city site; the primary prohibition applicable in the city is the California state law banning licensed providers from practicing conversion therapy on minors [1].
- Who enforces the ban?
- Enforcement is handled by California licensing boards for mental-health professionals through disciplinary proceedings; complaints should be filed with the relevant board [2].
- Can I bring criminal charges?
- Criminal charges depend on conduct and local law enforcement discretion; for licensed-practice violations, administrative discipline is the usual route.
How-To
- Gather documentation: dates, session notes, communications, and witnesses.
- Identify the provider's license type and licensing board.
- Submit a complaint to the relevant California licensing board and attach supporting documents [2].
- Seek local behavioral-health support for the minor or affected person.
- Consult an attorney if civil action or urgent protective orders are needed.
Key Takeaways
- California law prohibits licensed providers from offering conversion therapy to minors; this is the controlling protection in San Bernardino.
- Complaints against licensed professionals are filed with state licensing boards and may lead to disciplinary sanctions.
Help and Support / Resources
- Board of Behavioral Sciences - official site
- California Legislative Information - SB 1172 and state law
- San Bernardino County Behavioral Health
- City of San Bernardino official site