West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5623: Youth Mental Health Protection Act
Status: Introduced, February 16, 2026
What the bill says
To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §16-67-1, §16-67-2, §16-67-3, §16-67-4, and §16-67-5, relating to creating the Youth Mental Health Protection Act; stating a purpose; defining terms; prohibiting conversion therapy and referral services for conversion therapy; and providing for disciplinary actions against providers who violate the article. ARTICLE 67. YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PROTECTION ACT. §16-67-1. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to protect children from conversion therapy, also known as sexual orientation change efforts or.
From the introduced text, February 16, 2026:
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §16-67-1, §16-67-2, §16-67-3, §16-67-4, and §16-67-5, relating to creating the Youth Mental Health Protection Act; stating a purpose; defining terms; prohibiting conversion therapy and referral services for conversion therapy; and providing for disciplinary actions against providers who violate the article. ARTICLE 67. YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PROTECTION ACT. §16-67-1. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to protect children from conversion therapy, also known as sexual orientation change efforts or reparative therapy. §16-67-2. Definitions. For the purposes of this article: "Conversion therapy" means any practices or treatments that seek to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals. "Mental health provider" means a clinical psychologist licensed under §30-21-1 et seq. of this code; a school psychologist licensed under §30-21-1 et seq. of this code; a psychiatrist licensed under §30-3-1 et seq. of this code; a clinical social worker or social worker licensed under §30-30-1 et seq. of this code; a marriage and family therapist or associate marriage and family therapist licensed under §30-31-1 et seq. of this code; a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor licensed under §30-31-1 et seq. of this …