File a Conversion Therapy Complaint - Houston, Texas
In Houston, Texas, families and advocates who suspect a licensed provider is practicing conversion therapy on a minor can report the conduct to licensing boards and to city complaint channels. This guide explains where to file, what evidence to gather, and what enforcement outcomes to expect under Texas licensing rules and city reporting systems. If you believe a practitioner has harmed a youth, start by documenting dates, communications, treatment notes and the provider's name and license, then follow the steps below to submit formal complaints to the proper authorities.
Penalties & Enforcement
There is no single Houston municipal ordinance specifically listed on the city's public pages that sets fines or criminal penalties for conversion therapy; enforcement commonly proceeds through professional licensing and state disciplinary processes. For licensed health professionals, disciplinary actions are governed by Texas licensing boards and may include suspension, revocation, reprimand, or other administrative sanctions; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited board pages below.[1][2]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited board pages for conversion-therapy complaints; boards list disciplinary outcomes rather than fixed fine amounts.[1]
- Escalation: boards describe initial investigations, potential interim orders, and final sanctions; specifics about first vs repeat offences are not given on the cited pages.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: may include license suspension, revocation, probation, mandated remediation or monitoring, or formal reprimand as described by licensing authorities.[1]
- Enforcer and complaint pathway: primary enforcement for licensed clinicians is the relevant Texas licensing board; for local concerns you can also contact City of Houston 311 to report complaints for referral.City 311[3]
- Appeals and review: licensees generally have administrative appeal rights through the licensing board's contested-case process; time limits for filing appeals are set by each board and are not specified on the cited pages.[1]
- Defences and discretion: boards evaluate professional standards, informed consent, and scope of practice; defenses like documented informed consent or scope exclusions are evaluated case-by-case and not detailed with fixed criteria on the cited pages.[1]
Applications & Forms
To file an official complaint against a licensed health professional you normally use the license board's complaint form or online portal. For physicians, use the Texas Medical Board complaint form; for counselors, social workers, or other behavioral health providers use the Behavioral Health Executive Council or specific board forms. If a city report is appropriate, use Houston 311 for non-emergency referrals. Where a board does not publish a downloadable fee or form for this topic, the board pages list the complaint submission method but do not specify a separate fee.[1][2]
How to report in Houston
- Identify the provider: full name, license type and number, employer or clinic, dates of treatment.
- Gather evidence: appointment records, emails, therapy notes, recordings if legally obtained, witness statements, and billing records.
- File with the appropriate state board using its complaint portal or form; see contacts below for official submission links.[1][2]
- Report to City of Houston 311 if you seek a local referral or to report noncompliance with city-operated programs.Houston 311[3]
- If the provider works for a hospital or clinic, file an internal complaint with that institution's patient relations or compliance office.
FAQ
- Can a family member file on behalf of a minor?
- Yes. Parents or legal guardians may file complaints about treatment of a minor; boards typically accept complaints from family members and third parties and will investigate allegations involving minors.
- Will filing a complaint stop the treatment immediately?
- Not always. Boards can open investigations and may issue interim orders in urgent cases, but immediate cessation often requires an employer action, court order, or emergency protective intervention; timelines vary by board.
- Are there fees to file a complaint?
- Most licensing boards do not charge a fee to submit a complaint; if a fee is required it will be listed on the board's complaint page. If not listed, the board page does not specify a fee.
How-To
- Document the alleged conversion therapy: dates, descriptions of interventions, names, and any written or recorded materials.
- Locate the provider's license type and number via the Texas licensing board online lookup.
- Complete the board complaint form or online portal for the provider's licensing board and attach evidence.[1]
- Submit a local report to Houston 311 if you want city referral or documentation of a local complaint.[3]
- Follow up with the board for investigation status and, if applicable, consult an attorney for civil options.
Key Takeaways
- Complaints about licensed providers are filed with Texas licensing boards, not through a separate Houston fine schedule.
- Gather clear documentation before filing to help the board evaluate the complaint.
Help and Support / Resources
- Texas Medical Board - file a complaint
- Behavioral Health Executive Council
- City of Houston 311
- Houston Health Department