Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Counseling
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling [18 VAC 115 ‑ 20]
Action Unprofessional conduct - conversion therapy
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 8/7/2019
spacer
Previous Comment     Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
8/7/19  2:53 pm
Commenter: D. Rice

Uphold Parents' Role of Guiding Their Children in Truth and Charity
 
  • Parents are closest to their child’s challenges; they are in the best position to make healthcare decisions involving the wellbeing of their child.
     
  • Under Virginia law, parents have the fundamental right to make decisions regarding the upbringing, education and care of their children. 
     
  • Some young people may have attractions they desire to change or moderate. Others may simply desire guidance from a counselor to live a chaste life. In either instance, there should be options for families to make informed decisions. 
     
  • The proposed ban would deny families the freedom to seek counseling aligned with their faith.
     
  • Licensed professionals with years of education and experience should not be removed from the process of helping children work through these sensitive and deeply personal issues. 
CommentID: 75406