July 2022 E-Newsletter

E-Newletter

JULY 2022 E-NEWSLETTER

Greetings! It is with gratitude and a shared sense of purpose, that I sit down to write my first monthly communication to the CAMFT membership. On June 20^th, I became the 5^th Executive Director of CAMFT in the Association’s 58 year history.

I am honored to be selected to help lead CAMFT at this pivotal time in which the mental health needs of our respective communities are so great, and the positive impact of our profession is so critical. I recognize that I am entrusted to build on a legacy of outstanding volunteer stewardship and a dedicated staff. In collaboration, we create a thriving environment for practitioners while fulfilling the great demand for pathways to wellness and mental health.

My priority in the next several months is to update the organization’s strategic plan. This includes identifying measurable overall goals while ensuring that our resources and talents are focused on those defined priorities that will advance our profession for the next decade. You will hear more about this process and how every member can get involved via upcoming CAMFT communications.

In addition to longer-term priorities, I am getting the pulse on current pressing issues, including:

Remote Supervision: The BBS sponsored bill codifying the remote supervision waiver was not taken up by the legislature at the end of June, leaving supervisees and supervisors in the lurch. CAMFT collaborated with the BBS and pushed for an extension of the remote supervision waiver. I am happy to report that our efforts were successful. Just yesterday, the DCA extended the temporary waiver extension until the legislature can push through the permanent legislation in August.
Social Issues: CAMFT continues to be responsive to social issues that can impact the mental health and wellbeing on individuals and families. CAMFT provided comment regarding the recent Roe v. Wade ruling via our social media platforms. We received several comments supporting the statement and several comments asking for different messaging. I appreciate member feedback and dialogues surrounding difficult issues. Look for CAMFT’s two most recent social policy statements that will appear in the July/August issue of The Therapist magazine. Our board will continue the work of creating social policy statements that advocate for mental wellness and social health.
Medicare Reimbursement: CAMFT is working closely with the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition to advocate for MFTs in Medicare via monthly Medicare Action Days, letter writing campaigns, and lobbying in Washington, DC. We want to thank Senator Feinstein, Rep. Mike Thompson and all of the many CA representatives who are co-sponsoring our current Medicare bill (S 828/HR 432). And thank You for participating in Medicare Action Days and contacting your representatives.

I look forward to meeting more of you and working with the Board and staff as we redefine our strategic direction consistent with our overall mission. I am inspired by the work you do and hope you are emboldened by our strength in numbers.