Conversion therapy refers to a range of practices aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. These methods can include counseling, behavioral modification, and even more extreme measures, often based on the belief that being LGBTQ+ is a disorder that needs to be "cured."
Many professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization, have condemned conversion therapy as harmful and ineffective. Research shows that it can lead to significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, particularly among young people.