File a Complaint: Conversion Therapy Practices - Seattle

Civil Rights and Equity Washington 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Washington

If you believe a person or provider in Seattle, Washington is using conversion therapy practices on a minor or is engaging in discriminatory conduct tied to sexual orientation or gender identity, you can report the behavior to city and state authorities. This guide explains where to file, what evidence to collect, likely enforcement pathways, and how appeals and licensing actions typically work in Seattle.

Start by documenting dates, communications, and any written materials before you file a complaint.

Penalties & Enforcement

Seattle does not publish a separate city ordinance with specific fines for conversion therapy practices; complaints involving discrimination or abusive practices are handled through the Office for Civil Rights and relevant professional licensing boards. Fines and sanctions are governed by applicable state law and professional disciplinary rules and are not specified on the cited city complaint page.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; refer complaints to enforcement agencies for possible civil penalties or licensing fines.
  • Escalation: initial investigation, possible administrative sanctions by licensing boards, and civil or criminal referral if laws are violated; exact escalation steps and amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease practice, professional license discipline, required supervision or training, and court injunctions where authorized.
  • Enforcer(s): City of Seattle Office for Civil Rights receives civil rights complaints; professional licensing boards (state) may investigate licensed providers.
Professional licensing boards often handle discipline for licensed clinicians while the city addresses discrimination complaints.

Applications & Forms

The City of Seattle uses an online intake form for civil-rights complaints; there is no fee specified on the city page to submit a complaint. To begin a city complaint, use the Office for Civil Rights complaint intake page and follow the instructions for submitting documents and contact information.File a complaint[1]

How to Report and What to Expect

When you file, the city will review jurisdiction (whether the conduct is covered by city civil-rights protections) and may open an investigation or refer you to the appropriate state licensing authority. Licensing investigations may include interviews, subpoenaed records, and administrative hearings depending on the board and the alleged violation.

  • Evidence: emails, text messages, invoices, intake forms, witness statements, and advertising materials.
  • Timeframes: initial intake review times are not specified on the cited page; investigation durations vary by case and agency.
  • Appeals: decisions by licensing boards or administrative agencies typically have appeal routes to state courts or administrative tribunals; specific appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defenses and discretion: respondents may claim therapeutic intent, parental consent, or free-speech defenses where applicable; agencies and courts may exercise discretion based on evidence and statute.
If the provider is unlicensed, the primary city pathway is a civil-rights or consumer complaint rather than professional discipline.

FAQ

Can I file a complaint on behalf of a minor?
Yes, parents or legal guardians may file complaints for minors; include documentation of guardianship and consent where available.
Will reporting trigger criminal charges?
Reporting to the city or licensing board initiates civil or administrative review; criminal referrals occur only if evidence suggests criminal conduct and prosecutors choose to charge.
Is there a deadline to file?
Specific statutory deadlines vary by legal cause and agency; the city intake page does not list a uniform deadline for all complaint types.

How-To

  1. Gather documentation: preserve records, communications, intake forms, and witness contact information.
  2. File a city civil-rights complaint using the Office for Civil Rights online intake and attach evidence where possible.File a complaint[1]
  3. Notify the relevant state licensing board if the provider is licensed (psychologist, counselor, social worker), following that board’s complaint procedures.
  4. Keep records of case numbers, investigator contacts, and any administrative decisions; ask about appeal rights and deadlines.

Key Takeaways

  • Seattle residents can file civil-rights complaints with the Office for Civil Rights for conduct tied to sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Professional discipline and fines are typically handled by state licensing boards; city pages do not list specific fine amounts.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Seattle - Office for Civil Rights, File a Complaint

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