This article was republished in partnership with Balls and Strikes .

The Supreme Court begins its new term next week, and the first blockbuster case the justices will consider is about “conversion therapy,” a dangerous pseudoscience that aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. About half of states have banned licensed mental health care providers from subjecting minors to the practice, which experts say lacks scientific credibility and exacerbates the risks of depression, anxiety, suicidality, and other mental health challenges in patients. The legal question in the case, Chiles v. Salazar , is whether these bans violate the First Amendment by restricting counselors’ free speech rights to urge LGBTQ+ kids in their care to simply try harder

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