Bill > HB796

This bill prohibits mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, and marital and family therapists, from engaging in conversion therapy with minors. Specifically, the bill defines "conversion therapy" as any practices or treatments that seek to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including attempts to modify behaviors, gender expressions, or eliminate sexual or romantic attractions toward individuals of the same gender. The bill clarifies that such a prohibition does not apply to counseling that provides support, acceptance, and understanding, or helps a person undergoing gender transition, as long as the counseling does not aim to change the individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. If a mental health professional violates this prohibition, they may face disciplinary actions from the state committee, which could include censure, probation, suspension, or revocation of their professional license. The bill amends existing state laws governing multiple mental health professional licensing categories to include this new prohibition, effectively making conversion therapy with minors a potential grounds for professional discipline.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB796&year=2025&code=R