Bill > HB1968

This bill prohibits mental health professionals in Missouri, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, and marital and family therapists, from performing conversion therapy on minors. Specifically, the bill defines conversion therapy as any practices or treatments aimed at changing 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 conversion therapy does not include counseling that supports gender transition, provides acceptance and understanding, helps with identity exploration, or addresses unsafe sexual practices, as long as such counseling does not seek to change the individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. If a mental health professional engages in conversion therapy with a minor, they can face disciplinary actions from the state committee, which may include censure, probation, suspension of their license for up to three years, or complete revocation of their license. The bill amends existing licensing regulations for various mental health professions to include this prohibition, ensuring that professionals who work with minors cannot attempt to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity through therapeutic interventions.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1968&year=2026&code=R