SB 1541 - Under this act, any licensed psychologist, behavior analyst, professional counselor, social worker, or marital and family therapist may have his or her application for licensure or renewal denied, or may have a complaint filed with the Administrative Hearing Commission, if such person engages in conversion therapy with a minor. The term "conversion therapy" shall mean any practice or treatment intended to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. This act is identical to SB 285 (2025), SB 1209 (2024), SB 135 (2024), HB 2766 (2022) and HB 1269 (2021), is substantially similar to HB 796 (2025), HB 1091 (2025), HB 2263 (2024), HB 2296 (2024), HB 2530 (2024), SB 285 (2023), SB 915 (2022), SB 207 (2021), SB 658 (2020), HB 2283 (2020), HB 516 (2019), and HB 2141 (2018). KATIE O'BRIEN

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tracy McCreery

Missouri bill prohibits mental health professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors to change sexual orientation or gender identity.

Second Read and Referred S Families, Seniors and Health Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1541 would prohibit licensed mental health professionals in Missouri from practicing conversion therapy on minors. The bill specifically targets therapeutic practices aimed at changing or suppressing a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. This represents a categorical ban on such practices for individuals under 18 years old.

Why is this important

Conversion therapy has been widely documented by major medical organizations—including the American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, and American Psychiatric Association—as ineffective and potentially harmful, with risks including depression, anxiety, and increased suicide risk. This legislation would protect a vulnerable population from practices that these professional bodies consider unethical and damaging.

Potential points of contention

Religious liberty concerns: Some faith-based communities and organizations argue the ban infringes on religious expression and parental rights to direct their children's upbringing according to their beliefs

Parental authority questions: Debate over whether parents should retain the right to seek such services for their minor children, versus state protection of minors from potentially harmful practices

Definition clarity: Questions about how "conversion therapy" is precisely defined in the bill's language and whether certain therapeutic approaches might be unintentionally captured or excluded