File Conversion Therapy Complaint in Staten Island

Civil Rights and Equity New York 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of New York

In Staten Island, New York, people who believe they or a loved one have been subjected to conversion therapy practices can file complaints with city and state enforcement agencies. This guide explains the practical steps, who enforces rules in New York, what evidence to collect, and how appeals and reviews generally work. It is written for residents, guardians, and advocates seeking a clear process to report conduct, protect minors, or notify licensing bodies about licensed professionals.

Act promptly to preserve records and witness details when possible.

Penalties & Enforcement

There is no single Staten Island municipal ordinance that lists specific fines for conversion therapy; enforcement generally flows through New York City agencies and New York State licensing authorities. Monetary penalties, ranges for first or repeat offences, and statutory section numbers are not specified on the cited agency pages in the resources below. Enforcement pathways include civil enforcement under local human-rights or consumer-protection statutes and professional-discipline procedures for licensed clinicians.

Licensed professionals may face discipline from their state licensing board separate from city enforcement.
  • Enforcers: NYC Commission on Human Rights for discrimination or unlawful practices; New York State Office of the Professions for licensed clinicians; NYC 311 for referrals to city services.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited pages.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing-offence procedures and sanctions are not specified on the cited pages; agencies may pursue administrative remedies or refer matters for civil action.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: potential orders, cease-and-desist directives, professional warnings, license suspension or revocation, and court injunctions where applicable.
  • Inspections and complaints: complaints are accepted via agency complaint portals and may trigger investigations by the enforcing office.

Applications & Forms

Agencies maintain online complaint forms for reporting practices and for reporting licensed professionals. Fees for submitting a complaint are generally not required; specific form names or fee schedules are not published on the agency pages cited below. Use each agencys official complaint page to submit required details and supporting documents.

Reporting process and evidence

Collect documentation before you file: written communications, appointment records, advertising or intake materials, informed-consent forms, receipts, and contact details for witnesses. If a provider is licensed, include license number and employer information. When the case involves a minor, note guardian relationships and dates of contact.

  • Evidence: written statements, dates, contracts, emails, texts, and billing records.
  • Identify the provider: business name, clinician name, license type if known.
  • Timelines: record when services began and when alleged conduct occurred.
  • Confidentiality: ask the enforcement agency about confidentiality and victim protections when submitting a complaint.
If the provider is licensed, file both with the agency handling anti-discrimination matters and with the state licensing board.

FAQ

Who can file a complaint?
Any person who experienced or witnessed conversion therapy practices may file; guardians may file on behalf of minors.
Will my report remain confidential?
Confidentiality depends on the enforcing agency and the nature of the complaint; ask the agency about privacy protections when you submit a report.
Can I report a licensed therapist?
Yes. You can report licensed professionals to the New York State Office of the Professions in addition to city-level human-rights or consumer complaint channels.

How-To

  1. Document the conduct with dates, communications, records, and witness names.
  2. Check whether the provider is licensed; note license type and number if available.
  3. Choose the appropriate agency: city human-rights/consumer channel and, for licensed clinicians, the NYS licensing board.
  4. Complete and submit the agency complaint form and attach evidence; request confidentiality if needed.
  5. Keep copies of all submissions, follow up on the case number, and ask about appeal or review steps.
Keep a secure copy of all evidence; agencies may request originals or sworn statements later.

Key Takeaways

  • File complaints both with city human-rights/consumer channels and the state licensing board when providers are licensed.
  • Preserve records and witness details before filing.

Help and Support / Resources