Queens Conversion Therapy Ban for Minors - City Law

Civil Rights and Equity New York 4 Minutes Read · published February 04, 2026 Flag of New York

Overview

Queens, New York follows state and city protections that prohibit licensed providers from practicing so-called conversion therapy on minors. The prohibition and legislative intent are documented by the State of New York and implemented through local enforcement and complaint channels. For the enabling statute and executive announcement see the official state release.[1]

If a minor is currently subject to conversion therapy, prioritize immediate safety and mental-health support.

Penalties & Enforcement

Scope and statutory basis: the primary legal prohibition affecting Queens minors is enacted at the state level and applies to licensed practitioners; local enforcement typically flows through City agencies that handle professional licensure, consumer protection, and discrimination complaints. Specific penalty amounts and schedules are not always listed on the implementing municipal pages; where exact fines or procedural fines are not stated on the cited page, this article notes that fact and points to complaint routes below.

Fine amounts and escalation: the official state announcement and municipal guidance do not list uniform dollar fines for individual practitioners on the public summary pages; fine amounts are not specified on the cited page. Enforcement may include professional discipline, license sanctions, and civil penalties depending on the enforcing agency.

Enforcer, inspections and complaint pathways

The primary local contacts for complaints in New York City include the NYC Commission on Human Rights and licensing or professional boards for health practitioners. Complaints about conversion therapy or related misconduct may be submitted through official City complaint portals and will be triaged to the appropriate office for investigation and possible referral to state licensing authorities..[2]

Complaints to the NYC Commission on Human Rights begin an intake and investigation process.

Appeals, review and time limits

Appeal and review routes depend on the enforcing body: administrative decisions by City agencies typically include instructions on administrative appeal and deadlines in their decisions or regulations; when not listed publicly on the summary pages the specific time limits are not specified on the cited page. Licensure sanctions by State boards follow state administrative procedure for appeals.

Defences and discretion

Where applicable, agencies may consider professional standards, documented consent, or medical necessity in evaluating claims. Any statutory exemptions or permitted practices should be confirmed in the controlling statute and licensing rules; those exemptions are not specified on the cited page when absent from summary guidance.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Providing conversion therapy to a person under 18 — possible license discipline or civil enforcement (sanctions not specified on the cited summary).
  • Advertising or offering conversion therapy services aimed at minors — may lead to enforcement actions or cease-and-desist orders.
  • Failing to comply with professional reporting obligations when harm is suspected — referral to licensing board and investigation.

Applications & Forms

No specific city form solely for conversion-therapy complaints is published on the summary pages; complainants use the Commission on Human Rights intake and standard complaint forms or the City11 reporting routes where relevant. For professional license complaints, use the appropriate State licensing board complaint form, if published, or follow the City intake process; specific form numbers are not specified on the cited summary pages.

Action Steps

  • Document dates, providers, locations, and communications about the treatment.
  • Report the conduct to the NYC Commission on Human Rights intake portal or file a professional complaint with the State licensing board.
  • Seek immediate mental-health support for the minor through licensed therapists or hospital emergency services if there is risk of harm.
  • If you receive a notice or sanction, follow the stated appeal procedure and calendar in the decision or contact the enforcing agency for guidance.
Keep a secure copy of all records and communications related to any complaint or enforcement action.

FAQ

Can licensed therapists in Queens provide conversion therapy to minors?
No; state and local protections prohibit licensed practitioners from providing conversion therapy to minors; see the state announcement for the enacted prohibition.[1]
How do I file a complaint about a provider in Queens?
File an intake with the NYC Commission on Human Rights or submit a complaint to the relevant State licensing board; the City intake process is explained on the Commissionor Human Rights site.[2]
What remedies are available to victims?
Remedies can include agency investigations, professional discipline, cease-and-desist orders, and referrals for civil claims; exact fines or statutory remedies are not specified on the cited summary pages.

How-To

  1. Collect documentation: dates, names, communications, and any written materials or advertisements related to the therapy.
  2. Contact a licensed mental-health provider for immediate support and assessment.
  3. Submit a complaint to the NYC Commission on Human Rights intake portal or the relevant State licensing board with your documentation.
  4. Follow agency directions, cooperate with intake and investigation, and preserve records for any appeal or civil action.

Key Takeaways

  • Conversion therapy for minors is prohibited and actionable under New York protections affecting Queens.
  • Report misconduct through the NYC Commission on Human Rights or professional licensing boards promptly.

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