Report Conversion Therapy - Chattanooga City Law

If you or someone you know experienced conversion therapy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this guide explains where and how to report it to municipal and state authorities, what to expect from enforcement, and practical steps to protect victims and preserve evidence. Conversion therapy may involve licensed health providers, unlicensed counselors, religious leaders, or private individuals; the proper reporting route depends on who provided the services and whether a licensed profession is involved.

Penalties & Enforcement

Chattanooga does not publish a city ordinance explicitly banning conversion therapy as a standalone municipal offence; penalties tied specifically to "conversion therapy" are not specified on the cited page. For conduct by licensed health professionals, enforcement is typically through Tennessee health licensing boards. For discrimination or public-accommodation issues in Chattanooga, the city’s Office of Equity & Inclusion accepts complaints and can advise on municipal remedies. For licensed-provider complaints, file with the Tennessee Department of Health, Health-Related Boards complaint process. City office^[1] State boards^[2]

• Fines: not specified on the cited page for a Chattanooga-specific conversion-therapy ordinance.
• State professional sanctions: licensing boards may impose reprimands, license suspension, revocation, or monetary penalties per board rules; specific amounts depend on the board and case file (see state board pages).
• Escalation: first, investigatory review; repeat or severe conduct can lead to formal charges and administrative hearings — ranges not specified on the cited municipal page.
• Non-monetary remedies: cease-and-desist orders, license restrictions, mandatory supervision, or court injunctions may be available through state or civil courts.
• Enforcer: for municipal complaints, Chattanooga Office of Equity & Inclusion; for licensed providers, Tennessee Department of Health and the specific health-related board; criminal matters reported to Chattanooga Police.

Applications & Forms

To complain about a licensed health professional, use the Tennessee Department of Health online complaint form on the Health-Related Boards complaints page. For municipal discrimination or civil-rights concerns in Chattanooga, the Office of Equity & Inclusion provides complaint intake; the city page does not list a separate conversion-therapy form, so use the general complaint/contact process on the municipal page.^[1] For police or immediate danger, call 911.

How to Report Conversion Therapy in Chattanooga

Follow these practical steps depending on the setting and provider type. Preserve records, witness details, and any written or recorded materials. If a licensed professional provided the service, filing with the state board starts the formal oversight process.

1. Gather evidence: dates, times, names, location, written materials, messages, receipts, and witness contacts.
2. Identify provider status: confirm whether the person is a licensed clinician (psychologist, social worker, counselor) and collect license details if available.
3. File a state complaint for licensed providers via the Tennessee Department of Health complaints page. Report to state boards^[2]
4. Contact the Chattanooga Office of Equity & Inclusion for municipal intake, public-accommodation or city-employment matters. Contact city office^[1]
5. If criminal conduct or immediate harm is involved, contact Chattanooga Police or call 911; preserve evidence and follow police instructions.
6. Keep records of all filings, confirmation numbers, and correspondence; ask about appeal or review deadlines when you file.

Common Violations

• Providing aversive techniques or harmful practices billed as "conversion therapy".
• Therapeutic services that violate professional standards or scope of practice.
• Offering treatment to minors without parental notification where required by law or professional rules.

FAQ

Who enforces complaints about conversion therapy in Chattanooga?

The Chattanooga Office of Equity & Inclusion handles municipal civil-rights or public-accommodation issues; licensed-provider complaints go to the Tennessee Department of Health and the relevant professional board.

Will filing a complaint trigger criminal charges?

Filing an administrative complaint does not automatically trigger criminal charges; criminal matters are handled by police and prosecutors if the conduct meets criminal statutes.

Can I file anonymously?

Some complaint systems accept anonymous reports but may limit investigatory follow-up; provide contact details if you want investigators to follow up.

How-To

1. Document the incident with dates, names, and any written or recorded evidence.
2. Check the provider's licensing status on the Tennessee Department of Health site or licensing search tools.
3. Submit a formal complaint to the Tennessee Department of Health for licensed providers or to the Chattanooga Office of Equity & Inclusion for municipal matters.
4. Follow up with investigators, respond to requests for information, and note deadlines for appeals or hearings.

Key Takeaways

• Determine whether the provider is licensed to choose the correct reporting route.
• Preserve evidence and file promptly; timelines may apply for appeals and reviews.
• Use city and state complaint portals to ensure the matter reaches enforcement authorities.

Help and Support / Resources

• Chattanooga Office of Equity & Inclusion - complaint intake
• Tennessee Department of Health - Health-Related Boards complaints
• Chattanooga Police Department

1. [1] City of Chattanooga - Office of Equity & Inclusion
2. [2] Tennessee Department of Health - Health-Related Boards complaints