For years, many mental-health professionals have been treating patients who are gay or think they may be by telling them they can change who they are through therapy and other treatments. Well now, the country’s leading psychological group says there’s no proof such tactics work.

"Contrary to claims of sexual orientation change advocates and practitioners, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation," said Judith M. Glassgold, PsyD, chair of the American Psychological Association’s Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation. "At most, certain studies suggested that some individuals learned how to ignore or not act on their homosexual attractions."

According to the APA, there’s evidence that efforts to switch a person’s sexual orientation through aversive treatments might cause harm — including loss of sexual feeling, thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety, spiritual distress and a negative self-image. Better treatments offered include encouraging celibacy or switching to churches that are more accepting. In fact, the APA declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973, a move based on scientific evidence and supported by various practitioners in the community.

"Homophobia, bias and discrimination are what make it difficult for people to accept and be open about their sexual orientation," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "We have to change hearts and minds, not our sexual orientation, and we are hopeful that the position of the APA helps to heal those who have been hurt by rejection and betrayal, and to foster greater awareness, skills and knowledge among mental health professionals." 

Of course, not everyone sides with the APA’s suggestions.

Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International ministries and the author of "Leaving Homosexuality" is one of them. He said he’s proof that such mental transformations can work. "The fact is that there are tens of thousands of men and women just like me who once identified as gay," Chambers told CNN, noting that about a third of those who try to switch their sexual orientation through Exodus ministries are successful. "For me and for these people, the truth is change is possible."

What do you think of APA’s recommendations? Will it be more harmful or helpful?