Philadelphia Conversion Therapy: How to Report Violations

Civil Rights and Equity Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, people who suspect a provider or organization is using conversion therapy can report violations to city and state offices that handle discrimination, professional licensing, and public-safety concerns. This guide explains who enforces applicable rules, where to file complaints, typical remedies, and concrete steps victims, families, and professionals can take to seek investigation and relief in Philadelphia.

Penalties & Enforcement

Philadelphia handles allegations about conversion therapy through civil rights and professional-licensing channels rather than a single named municipal criminal statute on this topic. Specific monetary fines and statutory penalty amounts are not specified on the cited pages; enforcement commonly proceeds via administrative complaint, professional discipline, and referral to law enforcement where coercion or abuse is alleged. For civil-rights or discrimination complaints in the city, file with the Commission on Human Relations. For professional conduct by licensed therapists or counselors, file with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. For urgent safety or criminal matters contact Philadelphia Police.

If a provider is licensed, file both a city civil-rights complaint and a state licensing complaint to ensure multiple enforcement paths.

Escalation and remedies: the cited enforcement pages do not list fixed fine schedules for conversion-therapy-specific violations; remedies depend on the enforcing agency and may include administrative investigations, orders to cease conduct, professional license sanctions, referrals to criminal prosecutors, and civil remedies pursued by complainants. The cited pages do not specify first-offence versus repeat-offence fines.

Applications & Forms

How to submit complaints and forms:

  • City civil-rights complaint: use the Commission on Human Relations online complaint form at the link above; the department page lists intake procedures and contact information.[1]
  • State licensing complaint: use the Department of State’s online complaint portal for professional boards; the portal indicates required information and attachments.[2]
  • Deadlines and time limits: specific filing deadlines for conversion-therapy reports are not specified on the cited pages; check the complaint intake pages for any board-specific or ordinance-specific time limits.[1]

Common Violations

  • Providing conversion therapy to minors in settings that violate professional standards or local policies.
  • Advertising or promoting conversion therapy services without appropriate disclosures.
  • Coercive or abusive practices associated with alleged conversion interventions.
Document dates, names, and witnesses before submitting complaints to accelerate intake.

Action Steps

  • Collect evidence: records, appointment notes, communications, and witness statements.
  • Submit a city civil-rights complaint to the Commission on Human Relations.[1]
  • Submit a licensing complaint to the Pennsylvania Department of State if the provider holds a state license.[2]
  • If you receive an adverse agency determination, follow the agency’s appeal instructions; specific appeal windows are not specified on the cited pages.

FAQ

Who enforces complaints about conversion therapy in Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations handles discrimination-related complaints; state professional boards handle licensed-practitioner discipline; criminal matters go to Philadelphia Police or prosecutors.
How do I file a complaint?
File a civil-rights complaint with the Commission on Human Relations and, if applicable, a licensing complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of State; see the department pages for forms and submission instructions.
Are there monetary fines listed for conversion-therapy violations?
Monetary fine schedules specific to conversion therapy are not specified on the cited enforcement pages; remedies vary by agency.

How-To

  1. Preserve evidence: save records, messages, and witness contacts.
  2. Complete the Commission on Human Relations complaint form online or contact the office for intake assistance.[1]
  3. If the provider is licensed, submit a licensing complaint through the Pennsylvania Department of State portal.[2]
  4. If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or contact Philadelphia Police.
  5. After filing, monitor the agency response and follow appeal instructions if provided.

Key Takeaways

  • Use both city civil-rights and state licensing complaint channels for broader enforcement.
  • Report urgent threats to Philadelphia Police or 911 immediately.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations - File a Complaint
  2. [2] Pennsylvania Department of State - File a Complaint (Professional Licensing)
  3. [3] City of Philadelphia 311 Services and Reports

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