Van Nuys Conversion Therapy Ban & LGBTQ Protections

Civil Rights and Equity California 4 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of California

Van Nuys, California is subject to state and City of Los Angeles protections for LGBTQ people. This guide explains how conversion therapy prohibitions and local non-discrimination rules apply to Van Nuys residents, who enforces them, how to report violations, and what penalties or professional discipline may follow. It summarizes official complaint routes and forms, and gives clear steps to seek help, appeal decisions, or request records. Where a precise fine or time limit is not published on an official page, the text notes that. The guidance cites only official sources and identifies the responsible agencies for complaints and enforcement.

California law prohibits licensed providers from performing conversion therapy on minors.

Penalties & Enforcement

Primary enforcement for a conversion therapy prohibition comes through state licensing and professional discipline for licensed mental health providers; the state law provides for professional sanctions rather than a municipal fine schedule in most cases[1]. For licensed therapists, the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) handles complaints and disciplinary investigations; remedies include license suspension, probation, revocation, or other professional discipline as set by the Board[2]. The City of Los Angeles enforces local civil-rights complaints and may pursue administrative remedies for discrimination under municipal rules via the Human Relations Commission[3]. If a specific monetary fine for conversion therapy by a private practitioner in Van Nuys is not stated on an official page, it is noted as not specified on the cited page.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; state discipline typically uses professional sanctions rather than preset monetary penalties.
  • Escalation: first complaints may trigger investigation and education requirements; repeat or severe violations can lead to license suspension or revocation (not specified in dollar amounts on the cited pages).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: license restriction, suspension, revocation, cease-and-desist orders, and referral to civil or criminal authorities where applicable.
  • Enforcer and complaints: BBS for licensed providers; Los Angeles Human Relations Commission for local civil-rights complaints; contact pages and complaint forms are published by those agencies[2][3].
  • Appeals and review: disciplinary decisions by licensing boards generally have administrative appeal processes and judicial review; time limits are set by the licensing statute or board rules and may be not specified on the cited page.
If you were subject to conversion therapy as a minor, preserve records and note provider details before filing a complaint.

Applications & Forms

The BBS provides a consumer complaint form and instructions for filing a complaint against a licensed mental health professional; check the BBS complaints page for the current form and submission details[2]. The Los Angeles Human Relations Commission accepts discrimination complaints and posts intake forms and submission methods on its site[3]. If no municipal application or permit is required to report an alleged violation, the official pages state how to submit a complaint online or by mail; where a named form is not published, that is noted as not specified on the cited page.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Providing conversion therapy to a minor by a licensed provider — outcome: BBS investigation and possible professional discipline.
  • Discriminatory practices in housing or services based on sexual orientation or gender identity — outcome: civil-rights complaint to the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission.
  • Failure to comply with a cease-and-desist or board order — outcome: escalated sanctions, fines, or court enforcement where authorized.

How to Report or Challenge a Violation

  1. Gather documentation: names, dates, communications, treatment records, consent forms, and receipts if available.
  2. File a complaint with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for licensed therapists following their published complaint instructions[2].
  3. If the issue involves discrimination in services or housing, submit an intake to the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission for local remedies and mediation options[3].
  4. If you need statutory text or to confirm the law, consult the California legislative record for the conversion therapy bill and its codified provisions[1].
  5. Consider getting legal advice or contacting local LGBTQ advocacy groups for assistance with documentation and referrals.
File complaints promptly and keep copies of all submissions and correspondence.

FAQ

Does Van Nuys have its own conversion therapy ban separate from California?
The City of Los Angeles territory that includes Van Nuys enforces state law and local civil-rights protections; a separate Van Nuys municipal ordinance specific to conversion therapy is not published on the cited city pages and is therefore not specified on the cited page.[3]
Who can I complain to if a therapist performed conversion therapy on my minor child?
File a complaint with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for licensed providers; they investigate violations of professional standards and may impose discipline[2].
Are there monetary fines for conversion therapy in Van Nuys?
Monetary fines specific to Van Nuys are not specified on the cited official pages; enforcement commonly proceeds as professional discipline under state licensing rules[1].

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: record provider name, license number, dates, and written or electronic communications.
  2. Download and complete the BBS complaint form or use the online complaint process on the BBS site[2].
  3. Submit the complaint and keep a copy; follow up if you do not receive confirmation within the timeframe stated by the agency.
  4. If the issue involves discrimination, submit an intake to the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission for local assistance and mediation[3].
  5. Request administrative records or decision explanations if you need to appeal a board determination; note appeal deadlines on the board or commission page or state statutes if published.

Key Takeaways

  • California law restricts conversion therapy for minors; enforcement commonly uses professional discipline.
  • File complaints with the BBS for licensed therapists and with the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission for civil-rights matters.
  • Keep thorough records and act promptly to preserve evidence and meet any appeal deadlines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] California Legislative Information - SB 1172
  2. [2] California Board of Behavioral Sciences - consumer complaint
  3. [3] City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission

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