It's recently come to our attention that The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is denying Medi-Cal enrollment applications for 501c3 group providers seeking to bill for non-specialty mental health services rendered to Medi-Cal enrollees with mild to moderate mental health concerns.  

This affects group providers previously approved through Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (MCPs) and new group provider applicants seeking Medi-Cal enrollment. 

If you are a rendering provider of non-specialty mental health services working in a non-profit/community-based organization/counseling center, please take this short survey to help us better understand the issues our members are facing.  

Please note that the survey is intended for organizations that contract with Medi-Cal MCPs for non-specialty mental health services, not organizations only contracted with county mental health plans for specialty mental health services. 

We’ve heard multiple reports of a new scam targeting therapists. Here’s how it works: A "patient" or their family member presents a cashier’s check for services ahead of time. Shortly after, the individual would cancel the session due to an emergency and request a refund. The therapist issues a refund before their bank flags the original check as fraudulent -- leaving them out of pocket.  

Members should stay vigilant and be sure to verify all transactions. Learn more about these scams and helpful tips from the Federal Trade Commission. You may report these scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to your local law enforcement. 

CAMFT COMMENTS ON PROPOSED HIPAA SECURITY RULE REGULATIONS 

The Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (HHS) has proposed modifications to the HIPAA Security Rule that would significantly increase compliance requirements for providers/settings covered under HIPAA.  

If adopted, the new regulation would, among other things, require covered entities to encrypt all electronic protected health information (ePHI) with limited exceptions, track the flow of ePHI throughout the covered entities' information systems via "network maps,” and impose additional documentation requirements. 

Last month, CAMFT submitted comments to HHS expressing concerns about the proposed rule’s significant administrative and financial burdens on small health care settings, including solo practitioners, rural clinics, and nonprofit counseling centers. 

It’s unclear whether HHS will adopt the proposed rule or if the new administration will move forward with it, as it was initially proposed under the previous administration. We’ll keep members updated on any developments. 

CAMFT LAUNCHES EXECUTIVE ORDER IMPACT WEBSITE 

CAMFT recognizes the uncertainty and concern caused by President Trump’s recent executive orders, resulting federal directives, and their potential impact on Marriage and Family Therapists and the patients you serve. In response, we have developed an Executive Order Impact Landing Page to provide our members with valuable information regarding these orders. This website also offers an opportunity to share experiences related to how these executive orders and federal directives may affect your practice, your clients, or your professional responsibilities.

Your insights will help us provide meaningful resources to support our members. Please visit our Executive Order Impact Landing Page to stay informed and share your story.

CAMFT CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR CLARITY ON ELDER ABUSE REPORTING 

 In 2021, Assembly Bill 135 updated the definitions of "elder" and "dependent adult" for APS services eligibility, but did not apply these changes to mandatory elder and dependent adult abuse reporting laws. As a result, there has been some confusion around reporting laws. 

Currently, an elder is defined as a California resident 60 or older for APS services, but 65 or older for reporting, and a dependent adult is defined as a resident between 18-59 for APS services, but is defined as 18-64 for reporting.  

This inconsistency has led to confusion and application issues statewide. CAMFT has been advocating with California agencies for clarity and consistency, and will keep members updated. We continue to recommend members follow the current law until changes are made. 

EXCITING UPDATES ON LICENSE PORTABILITY! 

We are working closely with AAMFT to make it easier for LMFTs to get licensed across states.  

Phase I successfully passed laws in Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, and Tennessee. Phase II is focusing on Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington, D.C., with positive momentum already in Kentucky and Connecticut, where resolutions have passed multiple committees.  

Although there are challenges, progress is being made in all these states to reduce barriers to mental health care.  

For more details, view our License Portability Chart.  

In March, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1968) which included an extension of the Medicare telehealth flexibilities that had been set to expire on April 1, 2025. The continuation of the waiver of in-person visit requirements through September 30, 2025 means no changes to Medicare telehealth coverage until October 1, 2025. As of October, however, providers may be required to see their patients in-person at least once within the six months prior to initiating telehealth services. This means providers should be prepared in case in-person visits are once again required come fall.  

While the future of telehealth flexibilities continues to be an issue, providers should be aware that telehealth behavioral health services are a permanent fixture in Medicare.   

In fact, permanent changes to Medicare include the following:   

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) can serve as a distant site provider for behavioral/mental telehealth services.  

• Medicare patients can receive telehealth services for behavioral/mental health care in their home.  

• There are no geographic restrictions for originating site for behavioral/mental telehealth services.  

• Behavioral/mental telehealth services can be delivered using audio-only communication platforms. 

• Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) are eligible originating sites for telehealth. 

CAMFT, along with the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition we belong to, is carefully monitoring this issue for its members.  

For more information on telehealth, visit Noridian Health Solutions’ website: Telehealth - JE Part B - Noridian and Teleheath Waiver Extension. 

LICENSED PROVIDERS MUST CONSIDER THEIR MEDICARE STATUS 

As we move through 2025, it’s important to stay informed about essential issues—especially how LMFTs' Medicare eligibility might affect you and your patients. LMFTs now have the option to opt in, opt out, or take no action regarding Medicare.  

While CAMFT has been sharing information on this topic since December 2023, some members are still navigating what this change means for them. If you haven’t yet considered your Medicare status, now is the time. Some providers are facing penalties such as having to pay money back to Medicare beneficiaries who they were seeing via private pay without opting out AND using a Medicare-specific private pay contract.  

To better understand Medicare and the potential impact on your practice, visit CAMFT's Medicare Corner for more details. 

ATTEND BBS BOARD MEETINGS 

CAMFT encourages all members to attend BBS Board and Committee meetings to better understand upcoming changes to your licensure path, supervision requirements, workforce development, etc. Virtual attendance is also an option. To see upcoming meetings in 2025, click here. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BBS NEWSLETTER    
The BBS Newsletter is your go-to source for the latest updates, announcements, and insights directly from the heart of the Board of Behavioral Sciences. General information topics includes updates involving newsletters, licensing, examination, renewal, regulation/legislation, agenda notices, materials, and minutes, etc. To subscribe, please click here. 

JOIN A CAMFT COMMITTEE!

We’re calling on dedicated individuals like you to help shape the future of CAMFT. With nearly 20 committees to choose from—ranging from the Political Action Committee to the Pre-Licensed Committee—there’s a place for everyone to make an impact, regardless of your skillset or availability. 

Click here to learn more about all our open committees. Applications are due by April 15, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved!  

INTRODUCING THE NEW MARKETING TOOLKIT–CREATED JUST FOR THERAPISTS! 

We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new resource created to help you kick off the year with confidence–the Marketing Toolkit for Marriage and Family Therapists! 

We heard your requests for help scaling your business, so we created this resource to help bring your private practice to new heights! The toolkit is packed with key strategies for crafting a standout bio and elevator pitch, optimizing your website, and creating compelling messaging that attracts your ideal clients.  

Members, take a look through the pages and save your questions for later! We’ll be offering webinars to walk you through the toolkit and offer a quick Q&A. Stay tuned for updates!  

JOIN US AT THE CAMFT ANNUAL CONFERENCE! 

We’re excited to host our annual conference in just a few weeks! Join us on May 2-3 in San Francisco us as we welcome 20 workshop leaders, including opening keynote speaker Resmaa Menakem and closing keynote speaker Patric Gagne.  

It’s not too late to register! You can see the two-day agenda right here - it’s packed with workshops and networking opportunities. Be sure to check out our travel discounts and special CAMFT group rates for stays at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, available until April 11 or until sold out!  

Law and Ethics: Road to Licensure |  April 11, 2025  | 9:00am-12:00pm (3 CEs) 

Attention Prelicensees! Don’t miss this upcoming live webinar on April 11!  This must-see webinar will provide an overview of the laws and regulations applicable to pre-licensees as they work toward California licensure in marriage and family therapy. Topics to be discussed include the marriage and family therapy licensing process including the new supervision rules for non-exempt settings as well as supervised experience requirements for applicants, supervisor qualifications, licensing examinations, and common employment issues pre-licensees may encounter with their supervisors.

Learn more and register now!  

Can’t attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience. 

Law and Ethics: Child Abuse and Neglect  |  April 25, 2025  |  9:00am-12:00pm (3 CEs) 

Sometimes, child abuse or neglect is obvious, and you don’t even hesitate before calling CPS or law enforcement. Unfortunately, most of your obligations as a mandated reporter live in that horrible grey area. Is what your patient reports even something that could trigger obligations to report? Do you have reasonable suspicion that child abuse or neglect may have occurred? What is reasonable suspicion? Have you ever found yourself asking these types of questions? If so, this three-hour workshop will provide attendees with an overview of those obligations outlined in California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) to be more confident when presented with potential reporting issues.

Learn more and register now!

Can’t attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience. 

Law and Ethics: Mastering Mandated Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting | June 6, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm (3CEs) 

Although elder and dependent adult reporting is one of the most common legal issues therapists navigate in practice, it tends to receive much less focus than child abuse reporting. This workshop will provide a detailed overview of the mandated reporting procedures outlined in California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, including the different types of reportable elder and dependent adult abuse, the types of California agencies that receive mandated elder and dependent adult abuse reports, and how much time mandated reporters have to make these reports.

Learn more and register now!  

Can’t attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience. 

Law and Ethics: Working with Minor Clients: Prepare for Success and Avoid the Pitfalls | September 19, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm (3CEs)  

Working with minors requires an understanding of the laws and ethical standards that pertain to minor consent and the authority that minors, and/or others, have over the minor’s clinical information. Additionally, working with minors may involve the need to interact and share information with third parties. During this three (3) hour presentation, CAMFT Staff Attorney Alain Montgomery will review California minor consent laws and common issues related to the confidentiality of the minor’s healthcare information. 

Learn more and register now! 

Can’t attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience. 

Law and Ethics: Updates and Resources for Medi-Cal Providers | November 14, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm (3CEs) 

California’s Medi-Cal system is complex and ever-changing. During this three-hour presentation, CAMFT Staff Attorney, Sara Jasper, will provide an overview of the Medi-Cal Behavioral Health system, including information about CalAIM and BH-Connect. Ms. Jasper will review Medi-Cal’s requirements for telehealth services, provider addresses and how providers who offer “remote-only” services can apply for an exemption from Medi-Cal’s place of business requirements. Ms. Jasper will offer practice tips and resources Medi-Cal providers may use to strengthen their recordkeeping practices in anticipation of audits. Finally, Ms. Jasper will offer general resources to support providers as they navigate the Medi-Cal system, including resources for those providing care to dual eligible patients and caregivers. 

Learn more and register now! 

Can’t attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience. 

NEW RECORDINGS ADDED! 

• Providing Disaster Mental Health Response in Aftermath of SoCal Firestorms 
• What You DON'T Know About Insurance and Documentation–But Should!
• Law and Ethics - Why Should I Care About the CAMFT Code of Ethics?

APRIL 11, 2025 
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(3 CES) 

Attention Pre-licensees! Don’t miss this upcoming live webinar on April 11!  This must-see webinar will provide an overview of the laws and regulations applicable to pre-licensees as they work toward California licensure in marriage and family therapy. Topics to be discussed include the marriage and family therapy licensing process including the new supervision rules for non-exempt settings as well as supervised experience requirements for applicants, supervisor qualifications, licensing examinations, and common employment issues pre-licensees may encounter with their supervisors.  

Learn more and register now!   

Can’t attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience. 

DID YOU CATCH OUR LATEST EDITION OF THE PRE-LICENSED NEWSLETTER? 

We’re excited to share the latest edition featuring articles about supervision, dealing with imposter syndrome, and experiential learning.  Read it now! 

NEW LAW UPDATES LICENSURE DISPLAY AND SUPERVISEE LIMITS  

On July 18, 2024, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1024 into law to change and clarify two important aspects of a person’s practice of psychotherapy and supervision.  

1. Display of License/Registration Requirements and Required Notice to Client 

Effective January 1, 2025, the law no longer requires a license or registration to physically be on display when services are provided via telehealth. However, the law mandates additional information to be included in the required “Notice to Clients” that a licensee or registrant must provide to clients upon initiating psychotherapy services. The required additional information in the notice to clients takes effect July 1, 2025. 

Refer to the Board of Behavioral Sciences’ (BBS) FAQ to read more about these changes and the additional information required in the “Notice to Clients.” 

2. Number of Supervisees per Supervisor 

Effective January 1, 2025, the law clarifies who qualifies as a “supervisee” in group supervision and in individual or triadic supervision in nonexempt settings. It also clarifies that the limit of supervisees in individual or triadic supervision in nonexempt settings applies across all nonexempt settings in which the supervisor is working. 

Refer to the BBS FAQ to read more about these clarifications to the number of supervisees across different settings. 

Discover how to avoid the Top 5 Mistakes Made with the MFT Licensing Process and streamline your path to success straight from the BBS staff! 

The recording will offer key insights on how to sidestep common pitfalls as well as invaluable tips to navigate the process with confidence.  

Don't miss out—empower yourself with the right tools and insights to achieve your licensing goals effortlessly! Watch Recording.

LOOKING FOR SUPERVISION?

Check out the directory of CAMFT Certified Supervisors! Our CAMFT Certified Supervisors have gone above and beyond the BBS requirements for supervision to complete the advanced training. Find a CAMFT Certified Supervisor.

JOIN A LOCAL CAMFT CHAPTER

CAMFT has 24 chapters throughout the state that offer local programs and networking opportunities for MFTs. You can find your local chapter here. Be sure to ask how they support pre-licensees!

PRE-LICENSE JOB SITES AND JOB OPENINGS

Use your membership login and password to get access to this directory that showcases job sites throughout California that pay Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and provide supervision for hours. Login to view. 

CAMFT'S ATTORNEY PRESENT AT THE REDWOOD EMPIRE CHAPTER    

CAMFT staff attorney Kristin Roscoe, Esq. presented "Refreshing Your Law & Ethics Closet of Knowledge" to the Redwood Empire Chapter members on Friday, March 7, as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations. The 6-hour presentation, complete with a catered lunch, took place at the Oxford Suites Hotel. 

Thanks to the Chapter’s regular e-blasts and other promotions, the event drew a strong turnout of 100 attendees, plus sponsors. 

The venue was decorated with colorful, spring-themed tables that felt festive and welcoming. In addition to candy and swag bags, attendees had the chance to win table centerpieces. 

The Chapter President Elect, Patricia T Hromalik, LMFT, shared that the attendees praised Kristin for being engaging, lively, and well-paced, while also being open to questions and keeping the audience involved throughout the presentation. We had a wonderful time and look forward to more events with our amazing chapters! 

ANOTHER BENEFIT FOR CHAPTER MEMBERS
CAMFT is offering chapter members a $5 discount on the 2025 Law and Ethics webinars. Take advantage of the discount and join our expert staff attorneys as they cover the essential topics MFTs need to know! Learn more.

CONSIDER JOINING A CHAPTER

CAMFT chapters offer exciting events in your local area that can enrich your practice with relevant continuing education workshops and networking opportunities. Click here to find your local chapter..

CAMFT MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL CHAPTER EVENTS ACROSS THE STATE
Don’t forget to click here throughout the year for a list of upcoming events throughout the State. Events are listed by Chapter/Region.

WELCOME NEW CEPA PROVIDERS

• Claudia Arias  
• Ruth Christine Dimagmaliw  
• Sara Langley, MSN, PMHNP  
• K&S Therapeutic Services   
• Marin County Office of Education  
• MedTrainer  
• Marilyn Manzi, LMFT   
• Placer County Office of Education   
• Theresa Soltzberg, LMFT   

IT'S EASY TO BECOME A CAMFT-APPROVED PROVIDER 
Have you ever thought about sharing your knowledge and skill while supplementing your income? Now is the perfect time to become a CAMFT-Approved Continuing Education Provider! APPLY TODAY! 

Apply before 4/30/2025 and use the code CEPACHEER when calling in your payment to get 25% off the Initial Application Fee. Get the details.  

WELCOME TO OUR NEW CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISORS 

• Keonna Robinson 
• Irene Barraza
• Eseoghene G. Omiwor
• Kate Williams

LET CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES KNOW THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO BE A CONSULTANT   

The Directory lets those interested in becoming a Certified Supervisor know who is willing to be a consultant.  

It’s easy! Simply log in and navigate to the area under Certified Supervisor Program. Click on “Willing to be a Consultant for a Certified Supervisor Applicant.” Candidates can sort the list by those who are willing, so it may increase your visibility!  

NEW UPDATES TO THE CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR PROGRAM!   

Certified Supervisor Logo   

The Certified Supervisor Program now has a logo! You can use this brand-new logo on your professional advertising and informational materials including business cards, letterhead, brochures, and website. To use the logo, please download this form by clicking here, sign and send it to csp@camft.org.  

Add Your Photo  

The Directory of CAMFT Certified Supervisors now comes with your picture! When Supervisees are looking for a Supervisor, we recommend they reach out to a CAMFT Certified Supervisor and direct them to this Directory. If you’d like to add your photo to your record, simply Log-In to your Dashboard, and click on the area for your photo, and upload your headshot! This is a GREAT way to personalize your listing!  

NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE FOR THE CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR PROGRAM! 

To better serve you and maintain the CAMFT Certified Supervisor Program’s (CSP) Creed to go “Above and Beyond,” the CSP Committee is now using a set of questions to review the topics and score the Case Summary. 

For a helpful cheat sheet to guide your Case Summary writing, CLICK HERE. 

Please remember that Consultants must review and approve the Case Summary before the Verification of Completion application goes to the Committee.

We are thrilled to introduce five NEW Supervision Workshops, totaling 12 CEs! Discover them all in our On-Demand Learning Library. 

• Supervision, How to Make it a Treat and Not a Trick (2 CEs) 

• Challenges in Supervision (2 CEs) 

• Relationship-Based Supervision Through the Lens of Attachment (2.5 CEs) 

• Guidance for Supervisors (2.5 CEs) 

• Taking the Supervisory Relationship to the Next Level: Clinical Supervision in the Changing World (3 CEs) 

Don’t forget that the BBS requires supervisors to complete a minimum of six (6) hours of continuing professional development in supervision during each renewal period. 

*Reminder: Supervisors may apply their CAMFT supervisor course training hours to their overall CE requirements with one exception. A course taken on law and ethics designed specifically to meet supervisor training requirements CANNOT also be accepted toward meeting the six-hour law and ethics course required of all licensees each renewal period. A single course will not fulfill both requirements. 

DISPLAY AD ORDERS FOR THE JULY/AUGUST 2025 EDITION EDITION OF THE THERAPIST
Place your display ad order by June 1, 2025. More Information.  

SCHOLARSHIP/GRANTS— WE’RE GIVING AWAY FREE MONEY!* 

Now that we have your attention, let’s talk about your future. The CAMFT Educational Foundation gives away nearly $15,000 every year by offering three scholarships and one grant to deserving candidates. Each scholarship award is in the amount of $4,000, and the grant award is up to $2,500.  

The Online Application for each Scholarship and Grant makes it SUPER EASY to apply! To apply for one of these opportunities—or to nominate someone else— click here. 

(*Must apply for a Scholarship or Grant) 

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