San Diego Conversion Therapy Ban & Reporting for Minors
In San Diego, California, licensed mental health providers are prohibited from offering conversion therapy to minors under state law. This article explains the applicable state statute, how local residents can report suspected practices, which agencies enforce the ban, and concrete steps parents, guardians, and professionals can take to protect young people in San Diego.
What the law covers
The primary legal prohibition on conversion therapy for minors in California is codified in state legislation restricting licensed mental health providers from engaging in sexual orientation change efforts with anyone under 18. For the statutory text and legislative history, see the official bill page for SB 1172.SB 1172 (2012)[1]
Who enforces the ban
Enforcement for licensed providers is handled by California professional licensing boards. Complaints about licensed therapists, counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists are accepted by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) which investigates and can impose discipline. File a consumer complaint through the BBS complaint portal.BBS file a complaint[2]
- Primary enforcer: California Board of Behavioral Sciences for licensees.
- Other relevant boards: California Board of Psychology and other licensing agencies where applicable.
- Local support: San Diego Civil Rights & Equity Department can advise on local supports and referrals.San Diego Civil Rights & Equity[3]
Penalties & Enforcement
California state law prohibits licensed mental health providers from offering conversion therapy to minors and authorizes licensing boards to take disciplinary action against licensed professionals who violate that prohibition. The statutory and enforcement pages describe disciplinary authority but do not specify fixed monetary fines for this specific prohibition on the cited pages.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: licensing boards may pursue investigations and increasing discipline for repeat violations; exact escalation matrix is not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary sanctions: may include reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation of professional license as part of administrative discipline.
- Enforcer and complaints: complaints about licensed providers are filed with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences; consumer complaint procedures and contact information are on the BBS site.BBS complaints[2]
- Appeals and review: disciplinary decisions by licensing boards typically allow administrative appeals and judicial review; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
- Defences/discretion: boards consider facts and professional standards; there is no published blanket permit or variance process for conversion therapy on the cited pages.
Applications & Forms
The BBS provides an online consumer complaint form for allegations against licensees; no separate city form is required for enforcement of the state prohibition against conversion therapy. See the BBS complaint instructions for required documentation and submission method.BBS file a complaint[2]
How to document and report suspected conversion therapy in San Diego
When you suspect a minor is being subjected to conversion therapy, prioritize the minor's safety, collect contemporaneous information, and report to the appropriate licensing board and local supports. Use the steps below to file an effective complaint.
Action steps
- Preserve records: keep appointment notes, emails, texts, intake forms, invoices, or recordings if legally obtained.
- Note dates: document dates, locations, and names of providers or organizations involved.
- File complaint: submit a complaint to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences via their consumer complaint page.BBS file a complaint[2]
- Contact local supports: contact the San Diego Civil Rights & Equity Department for referrals and local resources.San Diego Civil Rights & Equity[3]
- Seek immediate safety help: if a minor is in imminent danger, contact local law enforcement or child protective services.
FAQ
- Are minors in San Diego protected from conversion therapy?
- Yes. California law prohibits licensed mental health providers from attempting to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity; the statutory text is available via SB 1172.SB 1172 (2012)[1]
- How do I report a provider who is offering conversion therapy to a minor?
- Gather documentation and file a consumer complaint with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences using the BBS complaint portal; include names, dates, and any records you have.BBS file a complaint[2]
- Can unlicensed individuals or religious counselors be disciplined under the same law?
- The state prohibition specifically restricts licensed mental health providers; disciplinary authority applies to licensees. Reports about unlicensed practice may be handled differently and can be referred to local authorities or other state channels; consult the cited agencies for guidance.
How-To
- Collect documentation: save written communications, intake forms, and witness contact details.
- Complete the BBS complaint form online and attach supporting evidence.BBS file a complaint[2]
- Contact San Diego Civil Rights & Equity for local referrals and support.San Diego Civil Rights & Equity[3]
- If required, seek emergency assistance from local law enforcement or child protective services.
Key Takeaways
- California law prohibits licensed providers from offering conversion therapy to minors.
- Report suspected cases to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and preserve evidence.
- San Diego Civil Rights & Equity can provide local assistance and referrals.
Help and Support / Resources
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences – File a Complaint
- City of San Diego Civil Rights & Equity
- California Legislative Information