April 6, 2026
To our clients and community:
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) handed down a landmark decision in Chiles v. Salazar, a case concerning a state’s right to ban licensed counselors from using what has commonly been referred to as “conversion therapy,” a methodology that claims and aims to change a client’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity. SCOTUS determined that Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors violated free speech protections. The Court reasoned that the content of psychotherapy involves protected speech, rather than professional conduct of the kind states generally have the right to regulate.
This is a disappointing and concerning decision, and one that is no doubt especially alarming to many in the queer community. While there is much to say about the implications of this ruling, we at Travelers Rest Counseling Associates want to clearly make a few basic commitments to all of our clients:
None of our counselors have offered, do offer, or will offer any form of what has been called “conversion therapy.” Our best research indicates that these methods are ineffective and associated with harm. Counselors at our practice will never use or endorse such methods.
Regardless of the SCOTUS ruling, we at TRCA consider the content of our work with clients to be professional conduct, not merely speech. As such, we will never insist upon our right to express ourselves freely at the cost of client’s long-term well-being, even if we are legally permitted to do so.
All of our clients, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, political convictions, and/or religious convictions, will be treated with unwavering respect. We will do whatever we can within the practical, legal, and (perhaps more importantly in this present moment) ethical limits of the counseling profession to help you reach your goals.
We are committed to using therapeutic methods and frameworks that are supported by empirical research, and we will be honest with you about the limits of what our training and interventions can do. In other words, we are committed to using responsible, helpful, and grounded methods, while being honest about the limits of counseling.
It it not always helpful to make public statements as an organization, but this ruling in particular concerns our work and clients in a direct way. Legal experts will continue to explore the full implications of this decision, but in the meantime, we want to be clear about our clinical and ethical commitments. Our practice will remain a safe and welcoming place for all people to come and be encouraged, not to be imposed upon by our free expression.
Thank you,
Travelers Rest Counseling Associates
Lindsay K. Hill
Calvin D. Armerding
Mary Bennett Pickens
Lawson Metts
Justin George