Hometown Counseling LLC

04/03/2026

In Chiles v. Salazar, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy, the practice of trying to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The March 31 ruling compromises the ethical standards of professional counselors and, according to American Counseling Association (ACA) and others in the medical community, puts those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity at risk of serious harm.

ACA and the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) — a division of ACA — will continue to advocate for policies and laws that protect clients from harmful practice and support client wellbeing and maintain that conversion therapy has no safe place in ethical counseling.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4bTwMg4

04/01/2026

Professional Counseling practice is grounded in research, training, and evidence-based interventions to provide effective treatment. Research conducted by medical and mental health professionals has revealed that Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts (SOGICE), including conversion therapy practices, present significant risk of harm to clients, particularly youth. This research has resulted in numerous medical and mental health organizations opposing such practices.

Though the Supreme Court decision in Chiles v. Salazar held that that Colorado’s law suppressed speech based on viewpoint, the ruling was narrow. The Court did not speak to the safety or efficacy of conversion therapy. Professional Counselors must strive to do no harm and to protect their clients using only safe, ethical, and evidence-based interventions.

For more information, please review:
-The Supreme Court’s decision:https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-539_fd9g.pdf
-The American Psychological Association’s paper: https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-sexual-orientation-change-efforts.pdf
-The American Counseling Association’s statement: https://bit.ly/ACA-statement

04/01/2026

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to strike down a Colorado law that banned conversion therapy for minors. By lifting the ban, this ruling will allow licensed therapists to attempt to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of young people in their practice, despite clear evidence that doing so causes significant harm to LGBTQ+ youth.

Read our full statement: https://mhanational.org/news/mental-health-america-is-deeply-concerned-by-the-supreme-courts-decision-to-lift-ban-on-conversion-therapy/

Mental Health America is deeply concerned by this decision, and interim president and CEO, Pierluigi Mancini, Ph.D., issued the following statement:

"Bans on conversion therapy are a crucial prevention strategy, ensuring that those entrusted to provide mental health care do not perpetuate harm. The Court’s decision puts young people at risk, allowing the continuation of a practice that evidence shows is damaging to mental health and well-being.

Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental health condition. Attempting to change someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation — and labeling that as a form of ‘therapy’ — is unethical, inaccurate, and inconsistent with evidence-based care. Mental Health America continues to stand with LGBTQ+ youth and families in calling for protection from dangerous and discredited practices. Together, we will continue to fight for access to safe, affirming care for all.”

Conversion therapy is linked to increased rates of su***de attempts, anxiety, and depression. Leading medical and mental health organizations condemn conversion therapy as harmful and unethical.

It's hard to feel mentally healthy when you feel unsafe, and many LGBTQ+ people face mental health challenges because of social attitudes about their identities. For more information and resources about LGBTQ+ mental health, visit mhanational.org/lgbtq.

If you’re struggling and need immediate support, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

04/01/2026

04/01/2026

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

March 31st is Trans Day of Visibility. 🏳️‍⚧️

We are dedicated to building a world where trans and non-binary people can flourish, grow old, and be their authentic selves without fear.

03/31/2026

03/31/2026

Colorado is for everyone, no matter who you are. Conversion therapy doesn’t work, can seriously harm youth, and Coloradans should beware before turning over their hard-earned money to a scam. I am evaluating the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and working to figure out how to better protect LGBTQ youth and free speech in Colorado. We are fighting for everyone’s right to be who you are in our Colorado for all.
https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/supreme-court-restricts-states-ability-protect-lgbtq-youth-inhumane-conversion-therapy

03/31/2026

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is profoundly disappointed in today's ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Colorado's ban on conversion therapy. Despite the ruling, the evidence remains clear: conversion therapy is harmful, discredited, and unsupported by science, and its risks to client well-being are well documented. ACA, SAIGE and other leading mental health organizations remain committed to ethical, evidence-based, and affirming care, and will continue to oppose practices that violate these standards of care.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bUJdbE

03/30/2026

TEXAS LEADS NATION WITH SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SHORTAGE

The state has 393 designated shortage areas affecting more than 13.4 million residents and currently meets only 32% of mental health needs.

Rural and border counties are hit hardest, with many lacking any psychiatrists or psychologists.

Full Story: https://dallasexpress.com/state/texas-continues-to-face-shortage-of-mental-health-professionals-as-demand-rises/

03/20/2026

Have you been on the fence about getting started? Nervous? Keep meaning to reach out by putting it off for one reason or another?

NOW is the PERFECT time to move forward!
Makenna is offering her intake sessions for HALF OFF for the rest of March to help people start the Spring Season on their best, healthiest foot.

I hope to see several people take advantage of this offer! Let us know if you have any questions.

As always, you can contact us by visiting our website: hometowncounseling or texting/calling us at 970-236-8983

If you have specific questions for Makenna and/or are interested in booking with her, you can also email her directly at: makenna@hometowncounseling.com