The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is alarmed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision yesterday to treat conversion therapy as constitutionally protected free speech. We respect the legal process; however, this ruling has serious implications for youth safety nationwide, particularly in states that rely on these protections to prevent harmful practices.

Let us be clear: conversion therapy is harmful. Major medical and mental health organizations have long established that conversion therapy is dangerous and unsupported by scientific evidence. It carries no therapeutic value and exposes minors to interactions that increase psychological distress.

The American Association of Suicidology filed a joint amicus brief in this case with The Trevor Project and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, documenting decades of research showing that conversion therapy places minors at significant risk of serious psychological harm and increased suicidality.

AAS remains committed to advocating for policies that protect all young people from preventable harm.

We urge policymakers in every state to ensure that youth, especially those who face stigma or discrimination, have access to care that supports their safety and well‑being. When protective environments are weakened, the risk of suicide increases, and the systems designed to safeguard young people are dismantled.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. For LGBTQ‑specific crisis support, please visit: thetrevorproject.org/get-help.

Additional Resources on Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health

For those seeking more information, the following resources provide research and data on the impacts of conversion therapy and the mental‑health experiences of LGBTQ+ youth:

• “It’s Still Happening” – A report on practitioners of so‑called conversion therapy in the U.S.: A comprehensive examination of the continued prevalence of conversion‑therapy practices and the need for stronger protections.
  
• Time Since Exposure to Conversion Therapy and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among LGBTQ+ Young People: Research exploring how recent exposure to conversion therapy relates to higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
  
• The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People: National data on the mental health experiences of LGBTQ+ youth, including exposure to conversion therapy.
  
• Project SPARK Interim Report (2023–2025): A longitudinal study on risk and protective factors in LGBTQ+ youth mental health.