✯ For Immediate Release ✯
Dec 20, 2025 9:31 pm
✯ For Immediate Release – 12/20/2025 ✯
We are disappointed by the Federal Appeals Court’s December 17 decision issuing a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking Michigan’s ban on conversion therapy. Extensive research shows that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity are ineffective and can cause serious psychological harm, especially for minors.
This ruling is not about restricting speech. It concerns the regulation of professional conduct in healthcare and child protection. Licensed mental health providers are required to use evidence-based treatments and to avoid practices known to cause harm. Conversion therapy bans were enacted to protect the public, just as states regulate other harmful or unethical medical interventions.
Over twenty states currently prohibit licensed professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors. Major medical and mental health organizations nationwide have long affirmed that conversion therapy lacks scientific support, and poses significant risks and documented harm. We remain committed to advocating for evidence‑based care and protecting the well‑being of all individuals, especially minors.
As noted by Judge Bloomekatz in dissent, psychotherapy is not simply speech but a form of medical treatment that states have the authority to regulate. When therapists assume this trusted role, treatment decisions must be guided by established standards of care and empirically supported practices and not by political or religious beliefs.
This decision does not change our ethical standards or professional values. While courts interpret the law, we remain committed to ethical, evidence-based mental health care and will continue to advocate through legislative, regulatory, and educational channels.
In Service,
MMHCA’s Board of Directors
Christopher DeBoer, President
Krystin Sankey, Treasurer
Carol Berger, Secretary
Members at Large:
Dr. Stephanie Burns
Dr. Joy Creel
David Flowers
Dr. Katherine James
Dr. Larry Pfaff
Amy Szaraz
Dr. Elizabeth Teklinski
Steve Wheeler
MMHCABOARD@MMHCANOW.ORG
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