California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) Responds to Recent Executive Orders

(February 6, 2025: San Diego) -- Recent White House Executive Orders and other federal directives are causing confusion and concern, and CAMFT staff, advisors, and members are looking to understand what effects these mandates may have on the mental health landscape. These directives, which disproportionately impact underrepresented people, including but not limited to immigrant, Black, brown, LGBTQ+ communities and the economically disadvantaged, stand to significantly impact both MFTs and patient care in California.

We recognize that as mental health therapists, MFTs are called upon to provide critical mental health support during increasingly challenging times. As the largest group of licensed mental health providers in California, MFTs play a crucial role in addressing our state's growing mental health crisis, where nearly one-third of adults report struggling with anxiety and depression. CAMFT recognizes the difficult challenges that MFTs face in serving a wide array of patients from varying demographics, including clients who are being directly impacted by these executive actions, while many MFTs are themselves grappling with added stress to their personal lives and businesses because of these mandates.

CAMFT is actively working with partner organizations and our policy experts to assess the full implications of the recent federal directives, particularly their potential to create additional barriers to care for underserved communities. We are aligned with national mental health care organizations in expressing deep concerns about proposals that would alter Medicaid's financing structure, reducing access to mental health care at a time when demand for services continues to rise. Members can view the joint letter signed by AAMFT and other national associations raising this issue to Congress.

CAMFT remains firm in our commitment to our Vision, Mission, and Values and the importance of equity, fairness and inclusion. We will use our collective energy to:

• Continue our advocacy work as part of our efforts to ensure MFTs can continue delivering effective mental health care to every community we serve
• Listen to our members’ concerns and experiences, and continue to provide support resources
• Work intentionally together with CAMFT’s Board of Directors, legal staff, and aligned partners to strategize and implement helpful paths forward where possible

The coming weeks and months are sure to bring continued change. CAMFT will continue working diligently to represent our shared professional interests and support our members’ ability to serve our diverse communities.