Today, the Supreme Court struck down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy — a ruling that has serious implications for the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ youth and adults across the country. This decision will set a precedent which could affect 20 other states which have such a ban, including Wisconsin.  As an ally, as a family member, as a friend, and as a clinician I feel it is my duty to speak out regarding this serious development.

Conversion therapy is not therapy. It is not evidence‑based. It is not ethical. It isn't backed or endorsed by any serious professional organization.  And it has no place in modern clinical practice.

Every major professional organization has condemned conversion therapy for causing harm to clients.  This includes my own professional organization, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), but also the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics. The harm I refer to is not “potential harm," nor “theoretical harm.” It is documented, measurable, and lasting harm.

So when a ban on this practice is overturned, it isn’t a just a legal decision.  It increases risk of harm to vulnerable people, in this case LGBTQ youth in particular.  These individuals will be exposed to practices which are known to increase depression, anxiety, shame, and suicidality.  The worst thing is that often parents of these individuals believe that these practices are okay because otherwise, "why would the government let it happen?"

As a clinician and ally, I cannot stay silent about that.

At our clinic, we affirm the identities of LGBTQ clients. We support them in building lives that feel authentic, safe, and grounded in self‑acceptance. And we believe that therapy should never be used as a tool to coerce someone into denying who they are.

This ruling does not change our values. It does not change our standards of care. And it does not change our commitment to providing safe, affirming, evidence‑based treatment.  If anything, it strengthens our resolve.

To our LGBTQ brethren out there reading this: You deserve care that honors your identity, protects your well-being, and supports your growth.  You deserve therapy that helps you to live your best life, not therapy that tries to change who you are.

As for myself, I will continue to stand with you, advocate for you, and provide the kind of care that aligns with both the science of psychotherapy and with the ethics of my profession.  I cannot speak for my colleagues, but I feel like they would agree.  And I feel confident to say that most in my profession would also agree.

If you or someone you love is looking for affirming mental health support, our team is here. You are welcome here. You are safe here. And you will never be asked to change who you are in order to receive care.
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— Andrew S. Bailey, LCSW Founder & Clinical Director Wisconsin Anxiety and Depression Clinic

Artificial intelligence has become part of everyday life for many children and teens. They use it to help with homework, to look up information, and sometimes even to talk about their feelings when they’re bored, lonely, or stressed. As a child and adolescent therapist, I understand why AI feels so appealing: it’s always available, it responds instantly, and it never gets tired or distracted.
But as AI tools become more common, especially those designed to act like “companions” or “therapists,” it’s important for parents to understand both the benefits and the risks—because the truth is, kids are turning to these tools more than we realize.

Why kids are drawn to AI “therapy”AI chatbots are designed to be friendly, validating, and endlessly patient. For a child who feels anxious or overwhelmed, that can feel comforting. Many kids say it’s easier to talk to a chatbot than to another person. There’s no fear of judgment, no awkwardness, and no need to wait for an appointment.
But this is also where the danger begins.

Where AI falls short:  AI can sound supportive, but it doesn’t understand context, nuance, or safety the way a trained human does. It can’t recognize warning signs, challenge harmful thinking, or intervene when a child is in crisis. And because these systems are designed to be agreeable, they sometimes reinforce negative thoughts instead of helping kids work through them.
There have already been real‑world cases where chatbots gave unsafe advice or encouraged harmful behavior. These situations are rare, but they highlight a simple truth: AI is not a therapist, and it cannot replace the judgment, training, or responsibility of a human clinician.

What this means for families:  AI can be a helpful tool when used responsibly—kids might use it to brainstorm ideas, get homework help, or explore their interests. But when it comes to emotional support, children need real human connection. They need adults who can listen, guide, and respond with care and accountability.
If your child is turning to AI for emotional support, it’s not a sign of failure—it’s a sign that they’re looking for a safe place to talk. That’s something we can build together.

How therapy can help:  In therapy, children learn skills that AI simply can’t teach:

• Understanding and naming emotions
• Challenging unhelpful thoughts
• Building coping strategies
• Strengthening communication and social skills
• Feeling connected to a real, caring adult

These are the foundations of emotional resilience—and they come from human relationships, not algorithms.

A path forward:  AI isn’t going away, and it doesn’t have to be the enemy. But kids need guidance, boundaries, and safe alternatives. If you’re concerned about how your child is using AI—or if they seem anxious, overwhelmed, or withdrawn—support is available.
We work with children and families to help them build confidence, emotional awareness, and healthy coping skills in a warm, collaborative environment. If you’d like to learn more or explore whether therapy might be a good fit for your child, I’m here to help.

Author's note:  This IS an AI summary, ironically, of a much larger post which I wrote myself for the National Association of Social Workers.  It has been written in a style that would make sense for a "non-therapist" audience.  It can be found in their Newsletter "The Wisconsin Social Worker" Fall 2025 edition.  Send me an email if you'd like a copy.