Colorado Conversion Therapy Lawsuits: Can You Sue for the Harm?

Many people who went through conversion therapy describe the experience as confusing, isolating, traumatic, and emotionally damaging. Some were minors. Others trusted therapists, counselors, religious leaders, or authority figures who claimed they could “fix” or change who they were.

Colorado lawmakers are now allowing individuals to sue for damages arising out of conversion therapy and sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts. If you suffered emotional, psychological, or financial harm as a result of conversion therapy, you may have legal rights.

Attorney Aaron Israels believes that all people deserve to be heard, understood, and treated with dignity — especially when they were placed in vulnerable situations and suffered lasting harm.  Call 720-599-3505 for victim information.

What Is Conversion Therapy?

Conversion therapy in Colorado refers to discredited therapeutic practices aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. While Colorado originally banned the practice for minors in 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court restricted that ban in March 2026, ruling that restricting licensed professionals from providing verbal therapy services violates their First Amendment rights.

These practices may include:

• Shame-based therapy and behavioral conditioning
• Coercive religious counseling and aversion techniques
• Isolation and programs designed to suppress LGBTQ identity

Many major medical and psychological organizations have warned that these practices cause significant, long-term psychological harm.

Colorado Is Expanding Civil Liability for Conversion Therapy

On June 1, 2026, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 26-1322, known as the “Civil Actions for Conversion Therapy Survivors” Act, into law. This law creates a new pathway for survivors of conversion therapy to pursue civil lawsuits against licensed professionals and providers who engaged in these practices.

The signing by Jared Polis comes only months after the United States Supreme Court struck down portions of Colorado’s prior conversion therapy restrictions on First Amendment grounds. In response, Colorado lawmakers enacted a new framework focused on civil malpractice liability rather than direct state speech restrictions.

For survivors and families in Colorado, the issue is no longer theoretical or political — it is now an active area of Colorado law with real legal remedies available.

This legislation represents a major shift toward civil accountability for harms caused by conversion therapy practices in Colorado.

Who May Be Held Responsible?

Depending on the facts, lawsuits may potentially involve licensed therapists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, professional clinics, supervisors, or entities that employed individuals involved in the conduct.

Every case is different, and liability can depend heavily on:

• The specific nature of the counseling and representations made during treatment
• Whether minors were involved or coercion was used
• The overall extent of the emotional or psychological harm

What Harm Can You Sue For?

Many survivors report years of emotional and psychological struggles after conversion therapy. Potential damages may include:

Can Religious Organizations Be Sued?

This will likely become one of the most heavily contested legal issues in Colorado.

Some organizations may argue that certain counseling activities are protected by religious freedom or the First Amendment. Others may argue that harmful, coercive, or professionally negligent conduct by state-licensed practitioners should create civil liability regardless of religious context. Colorado courts will likely spend years defining the boundaries between constitutionally protected speech and actionable misconduct.

What If the Conduct Happened Years Ago?

One of the most significant aspects of Colorado’s legislation is that it allows lawsuits to be filed without a traditional statute of limitations.

Because it is retroactive, individuals may potentially pursue claims arising from conduct that occurred many years earlier. That issue itself will likely create major legal disputes involving retroactive liability, due process, constitutional protections, and evidentiary concerns.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Depending on the case, victims and survivors may seek compensation for:

• Emotional distress, pain, and suffering
• Psychological injuries, therapy, and medical expenses
• Lost income and other damages allowed under Colorado law

Some cases may also involve claims for punitive or exemplary damages. If we take your case, it will be taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning NO UP FRONT COSTS to you. Call 720-599-3505 to talk to attorney Aaron Israels directly for more information on contingency fees. We always offer Free and Confidential case reviews.

You Deserve to Be Heard

People who went through conversion therapy often describe years of silence, shame, confusion, or fear about speaking publicly about what happened to them.

Attorney Aaron Israels understands that cases involving emotional trauma are deeply personal. We believe that all people deserve compassion, respect, and a serious evaluation of their legal rights. No one should feel ignored or dismissed after suffering emotional or psychological harm.

Read the Full Bill Here: House Bill 26-1322, (“Civil Actions for Conversion Therapy Survivors” Act )