Albania's psychologists have banned so-called "conversion therapy", which tries to change the sexual orientation of young LGBT people, a move hailed on Saturday by the country's rights groups.

The decision by Albania's order of psychologists on Friday is "significantly important for LGBTI adolescents", the gay rights association Pink Embassy said in a statement.

All registered therapists in Albania must be members of the order of psychologists. Its decisions are final and "legally valid", Pink Embassy head Altin Hazizaj told AFP.

"This is the final decision which does not need to go through either the legislative or executive to enter into force," said Hazizaj.

Pink Embassy claims that parents often "force" adolescents to undergo conversion therapy. Read more via AFP