Conversion therapy in Colorado refers to attempts by licensed mental health or medical providers to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and Colorado law has treated that practice as harmful and subject to professional discipline. The definition and restrictions were set out in the state’s ban on such treatment for people under 18.

Quick scoop

Colorado’s law, passed in 2019, barred state-licensed mental health providers from engaging in conversion therapy with minors, and violations could count as unprofessional conduct under licensing rules.

What it means

In the Colorado bill language, “conversion therapy” means efforts to change a person’s sexual orientation, including attempts to change behaviors, gender expressions, or attractions toward the same sex. The law explicitly distinguished that from supportive counseling, acceptance, and identity exploration.

Current status

As of today, the issue is back in the news because the U.S. Supreme Court has recently ruled against Colorado’s conversion-therapy ban in a free-speech challenge, according to multiple reports published on March 31, 2026. Those reports say the decision affects how the law will be treated going forward, though details may continue to develop.

Why it matters

Supporters of the ban argued that conversion therapy is discredited and linked to serious harm, especially for LGBTQ youth. Colorado’s attorney general and advocacy groups have said the law was meant to protect minors and reflected the view of major medical organizations.

Simple version

If you’re asking “what is conversion therapy Colorado?” the short answer is: it’s the practice Colorado tried to prohibit for minors when done by licensed professionals in an effort to change sexual orientation or gender identity.

If you want, I can also give you:

  • a plain-English explanation of Colorado’s law,
  • the latest Supreme Court update,
  • or a one-paragraph version for social media.