AUGUST 2023 E-NEWSLETTER

Dear Members,

I hope that you are having a fantastic summer and perhaps finding some time to slow down for a brief respite. There are lot of exciting things happening here at CAMFT, and I’m delighted to highlight just a few activities of relevance on events, emerging trends, and regulation.  

We’re gearing up for a Fall Symposium unlike anything we’ve hosted before, bringing you the latest information you need on the topics of artificial intelligence and psychedelics. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence has almost every industry talking about the potential efficiencies technologies like ChatGPT and others provide, but also the points for disruption and the ethical risks. Another trend we’re seeing is that of psychedelics and ketamine assisted therapy. Our Fall Symposium will feature two phenomenal speakers who will provide you with important insights on these trends, as well as three additional on-demand workshops. That's a total of 12 CEs!  Equally important is the network of sharing that transpires when members of the CAMFT community convene for a day of learning and fun. Mark September 8 on your calendar, and be sure to register ahead of time to save your spot.  

We’re also keeping a pulse and providing input on the development of the pending Medicare regulation, and how to prepare you to take on Medicare clients this January. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid has opened their comment period for the preliminary draft regulation. CAMFT will continue to work on the regulation to ensure a smooth transition and implementation of Medicare reimbursement for MFTs. We have several educational resources in the works. Be sure to register for our upcoming Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition webinar on August 17. CAMFT will also host several more webinars and publish a bevy of articles in the coming months to assist members who wish to become Medicare providers. You can stay on top of the latest news by checking out our Medicare Corner. 

Another hot topic is license portability and, in tandem, advocating for a National Exam. CAMFT has begun its work with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) to move forward with Phase I of its strategic plan to create license portability nationwide. We will continue coordinating with AAMFT to ensure that other states have reasonable requirements for incoming therapists and that other checks and balances are in place as we make progress together. 

We’re also examining the barriers to advocacy on license portability, telehealth, and federal positions that are created because of California having its own licensing exam. To combat these barriers, CAMFT has begun communications with stakeholders like the Board of Behavioral Sciences,  Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (the administrator of the exam), and AAMFT with the hope to prioritize this discussion. 

I want to share my gratitude for the many volunteers who are the engine behind our trajectory. We are updating our bylaws and policies to ensure they are relevant and adhere to current best practices. CAMFT’s Bylaws Committee will meet in early fall to begin a holistic review of our bylaws and will assess, among other matters, areas such as voting rights and representation of pre-licensees, dual-licensure of Board members, and other important issues. Members can expect more in the coming months, including several opportunities for providing both input and feedback throughout the process. A policy task force is also being formed. Please look for an open call solicitation as the Board seeks to include a CAMFT member-at-large on this task force. 

These are exciting times, with new trends and new opportunities. CAMFT will continue to keep our members at the forefront; providing you with what you need to know for your practice! 

With care,

Joy Alafia, MBA, CAE
Executive Director