Report Conversion Therapy in Detroit - City Remedies

Civil Rights and Equity Michigan 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Michigan

In Detroit, Michigan, people concerned about conversion therapy practices can pursue complaints through city and state channels even where no explicit municipal ban appears in the local code. This guide explains where to report, who enforces professional standards, likely remedies, and steps to protect minors or clients. Start by documenting the incident and gathering dates, communications, and provider details; then use the complaint pathways below to notify Detroit civil-rights or licensing authorities and request enforcement or investigation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Detroit’s municipal code does not, as published in the city code repositories, set an explicit city-level criminal or civil penalty specifically labeled for "conversion therapy" practices; therefore specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited pages and must be sought via the enforcing agencies listed in Resources. Enforcement typically follows two routes depending on the facts: civil-rights or consumer complaints handled by city civil-rights or 311 channels, and professional-discipline complaints handled by Michigan licensing boards. Remedies may include administrative investigations, license disciplinary actions, cease-and-desist orders, civil damages actions, or referrals to prosecutors when other crimes are alleged.

If a licensed professional provided the service, file a licensing complaint promptly.
  • Enforcers: City civil-rights office and Detroit 311 for local complaints; Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for licensed providers.
  • Court or civil actions: victims may sue for damages in state court; availability and damages depend on case law and facts.
  • Fines and penalties: not specified on the cited page for a Detroit-specific conversion-therapy ordinance; licensing boards may levy fines or suspensions per their rules.
  • Non-monetary orders: cease-and-desist, mandated training, license suspension or revocation, and corrective notices are common administrative remedies.
  • Inspections and investigations: administrative investigators or professional-board investigators will request records and statements during an inquiry.

Applications & Forms

No Detroit-specific complaint form targeted only at conversion-therapy practices is published in the city code; complainants should use the general civil-rights or 311 complaint channels for city-level reports, and the relevant LARA complaint form for licensed professionals. See Resources for the correct official complaint pages and forms.

Keep copies of all written communications and receipts before submitting any complaint.

How to Report and Seek Remedies

Follow these practical action steps to report conversion-therapy practices and pursue remedies.

  • Document: dates, location, names, recordings (if lawful), contracts, brochures, emails, and witness names.
  • File a city complaint: use Detroit 311 or the city civil-rights complaint channel to report practices affecting discrimination or consumer safety.
  • File a licensing complaint: if the provider holds a state license (mental-health, medical, or counseling), file a LARA complaint for professional misconduct.
  • Consider civil suit: consult a lawyer about injunctive relief or damages; note statutes of limitation apply.
  • Seek immediate safety: for minors or imminent harm, contact child-protective services or law enforcement.

FAQ

Is conversion therapy illegal in Detroit?
There is no Detroit municipal ordinance specifically named or codified for conversion-therapy prohibition in the city code repositories; enforcement depends on complaint channels and applicable professional rules.
Who investigates complaints about a counselor or clinician?
Complaints about licensed counselors, therapists, or clinicians are investigated by Michigan LARA and the relevant licensing board; the city can refer or accept civil-rights complaints where applicable.
Can I get compensation?
Compensation depends on the facts and available legal claims; consult a private attorney about civil remedies and damages options.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: collect dates, documents, receipts, statements, and witness information.
  2. Submit a complaint to Detroit 311 or the city civil-rights office describing the practice and attaching evidence.
  3. Submit a LARA licensing complaint if the provider is licensed; keep the complaint number and follow up.
  4. If needed, consult an attorney to evaluate civil claims and file suit within applicable time limits.

Key Takeaways

  • Detroit’s city code does not publish a named conversion-therapy ordinance; use civil-rights and licensing channels to report.
  • Licensed-provider complaints should be filed with Michigan LARA for disciplinary review.

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