TRUMP ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE ORDERS

CAMFT is actively working with partner organizations and policy experts to assess the full implications of the administration’s recent executive orders and federal directives, particularly their impact on MFTs, mental health, and the patients our members treat here in California.  

We will keep you informed with updates and guidance on any new developments. 

DMHC LOOKING FOR PROVIDER HELP IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOCUSED INVESTIGATIONS  

The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is investigating the following commercial health plans to assess barriers practitioners face and identify improvements for the delivery of behavioral health care: 

• Health Net of California, Inc. 
• MemorialCare Select Health Plan 
• Santa Clara County (Valley Health Plan) 
• California Physicians’ Service (Blue Shield of California)

DMHC is seeking a range of providers—including individuals, medical groups, facilities, and hospitals—who may be willing to participate in interviews as part of its investigations into the four commercial health plans mentioned above. These interviews will likely take place via phone or video conferencing. 

Providers who have chosen not to contract with these health plans, or contracted providers who have experienced barriers or challenges in delivering behavioral health services to their patients over the past two years, and who wish to participate in these interviews, can contact DMHC directly via email at ProviderBHI@dmhc.ca.gov or call (279) 666-5858.  

The DMHC may contact those providers who express an interest in being interviewed and supporting these important behavioral health investigations. 

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, we understand that 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 now 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.  

THE BBS CONTINUES TAKING STEPS TOWARDS MFT NATIONAL CLINICAL EXAM 

Last year, the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) Board voted to pursue necessary statutory amendments as a legislative proposal to give the Board authority to adopt a national clinical exam for California MFTs through its regulations. BBS staff are still in the process of introducing the bill for the 2025 legislative session and the Board recently approved the regulatory amendments in concept to begin drafting the initial rulemaking documents for future submission.  

Meanwhile, CAMFT, the BBS, and AMFTRB national exam administrators are continuing to assess and evaluate ways to bring the national exam to California to assist with license portability and increase in jobs for MFTs while ensuring consumer protection, adequate access to examination resources, and that exam content is reflective of California practice and equitable for test takers of all backgrounds. 

To learn more about license portability and the national exam, please read both CAMFT’s FAQ on License Portability and FAQ on the MFT National Exam. 

UPDATES ON LICENSE PORTABILITY  

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has launched Phase 2 of its Access MFT initiative.  

This phase focuses on improving portability in states such as Arkansas, Connecticut, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, there is renewed effort to enhance portability in Kentucky, following an unsuccessful attempt during Phase 1.  

Each state's proposed bills face legislative challenges, and CAMFT is actively monitoring progress, adding support to AAMFT's efforts where needed.  

Members interested in understanding the current requirements for LMFT licensure across the other 50 U.S. states can refer to CAMFT’s license portability chart for more information.

KAISER AND MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS 

More than 2,400 behavioral health professionals employed by Southern California Kaiser facilities continue their strike to demand better patient care and increased staffing levels. Reports of unsustainable patient panels and understaffing have resulted in excessive wait times for patients, which is in direct violation of California timely access to care requirements.  

CAMFT has submitted a letter to the Department of Managed Health Care requesting the Department to assess and ensure enforcement of Kaiser’s requirement of timely access to mental health services. Additionally, Kaiser has agreed to a focused mediation process as requested by Governor Newsom. The mediation begins on Monday, March 10. More information is available here. 

THE FUTURE OF TELEHEALTH IN MEDICARE  

While the future of telehealth flexibilities (i.e. the current waiver of in-person visit requirements currently set to expire on April 1st) is still uncertain, 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 and the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition to which it belongs are carefully monitoring Congress’s work on a Continuing Resolution to advocate for the inclusion of a provision to extend or make permanent the waiver of in-person visit requirements for telehealth services.  

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

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. 

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!

GET READY TO VOTE FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS!  

Our Nominating Committee has chosen the slate of candidates to run for the Board of Directors, and ballots have been sent. Click here to view the candidates and read their statements. Please be sure to vote by the deadline of March 13!

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!  

JOIN US AT THE CAMFT ANNUAL CONFERENCE! 

We’re excited to host our annual conference on May 2-3 in San Francisco! Join us as we welcome 20 workshop leaders, including opening keynote speaker Resmaa Menakem and closing keynote speaker Patric Gagne. You can learn more about each presentation and see the overall agenda right here. Be sure to take advantage of the group rate for your hotel.

UPCOMING WEBINARS 

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.

THE WINTER EDITION OF THE PRE-LICENSED NEWSLETTER IS HERE!

We’re excited to share the Winter 2025 Edition of the Pre-Licensed Newsletter, written and compiled from our Pre-Licensed Committee. This edition features articles about supervision, dealing with imposter syndrome, and experiential learning. You can also access recordings like the Road to Licensure presentation and the Top 5 Mistakes Made with the LMFT Licensing Process. Read it now!

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. 

LAW AND ETHICS: ROAD TO LICENSURE |  APRIL 11, 2025  | 9:00AM-12:00PM (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. 

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.

CHAPTER EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Outstanding Chapter Leader Award is presented annually to a member of each chapter for exemplary service and commitment. Click here to view this year's recipients.

CHAPTER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE  

On February 7-8 chapter leaders from 21 chapters across California met in San Jose for the annual Chapter Leadership Conference. The conference was focused on networking, building relationships, brainstorming, and information exchange. This was our second in-person conference since the pandemic and attendance increased by almost 10% compared to last year. 

The keynote speaker, Tim Hynes, discussed how important it is for human communications as it pertains to volunteer recruitment and retention. He also gave an enlightening presentation on how to engage across generations, specifically with Gen Y and Gen Z influencers.

The Outstanding Chapter Leader awards recipients were celebrated, and Chapters were recognized for their achievements this past year.

Attendees shared that attending the CLC was a great opportunity to meet other chapter leaders, to share experiences, and to be challenged. They also shared that it is a great way to learn from other chapters as well as gain a better understanding of what CAMFT does to help and support the local boards.

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

• Ira Israel 
• Iris Cruet-Rubio, LMFT 

• Kristine San Mateo-Virgen

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 3/31/2024 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 

• Christine L. Galvez 
• Sharon Sanches 
• Kent Toussaint 

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 MAY/JUNE 2025 EDITION EDITION OF THE THERAPIST
Place your display ad order by March 15, 2025. More Information.

CPH Insurance provides competitive rates on professional liability insurance with superior customer service.

Read More