NPA Statement on the Supreme Court Decision in Chiles v. Salazar

April 10, 2026

We feel that it is necessary and our obligation as providers and supporters of mental health to recognize and differentiate between the First Amendment rights afforded to all citizens and the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. At their core, these principles guide us to offer scientifically-grounded care that does not cause harm to those we treat.

Along with the American Psychological Association and other State, Provincial, and Territorial Associations, NPA firmly believes that identifying as LGBTQ+ is not a mental illness, and efforts to challenge or change one’s sexual orientation or gender identity are not ethical. Furthermore, efforts, such as conversion therapies, to forcibly change one’s sexual orientation have been scientifically shown to be harmful and cause significant distress, including depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide. Nevada became the 8th state to ban conversion therapies in 2017 for these reasons.

Dialogue occurring within the confines of psychotherapy between a therapist and a patient is considered clinical intervention, not “freedom of speech.”

This means that the words of a therapist are considered tools of psychological interventions intended to treat a condition. If those techniques are used to “treat” a non-existent disorder, such as a sexual orientation, with methods that cause harm, it is not “free speech” and becomes professional negligence.

SCOTUS’ decision of determining that the practices of “Conversion Therapy” may fall under protected speech creates an extremely unsafe model of practice that threatens the well-being and protection of vulnerable adolescents across our country.

The right to “speak your mind” is a freedom afforded to all citizens of our country that we are grateful to have. However, the right to practice and provide healthcare services as a licensed professional is a privilege earned through a commitment to do no harm, and a commitment to using evidence-based and ethical methods that do not endanger the well-being and lives of individuals we serve.

NPA has always and will continue to advocate for and protect individuals and communities our membership and other mental health professionals serve.

Nevada Psychological Association
Established in 1988, the Nevada Psychological Association (NPA) is a 501c(6) non-profit professional association representing licensed psychologists and others affiliated with the delivery of psychological services in the state of Nevada. Our mission is to advance and represent psychology as a science and a profession, as well as to serve the professional needs of its membership and the community. NPA is committed to the following core values:

• Diversity, inclusion and social justice
• Application of knowledge based on scientific methods
• Ethical behavior
• Support, advocacy and mentorship of psychologists

Media Inquiries
Members of the media are invited to contact the Nevada Psychological Association via email at [email protected].