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Email : infocenter@camft.org
Phone : (858) 292-2638
Dear Members,
It was wonderful to see everyone at the Fall Symposium on November 1! We had an incredible day in San Jose, filled with networking, meeting with exhibitors, sharing insights over lunch, and attending two engaging workshops led by CAMFT’s staff attorneys. We were also in the community virtually, as many participated remotely online. In case you missed it, you'll be able to access both New Year, New Laws: What You Need to Know to Thrive in 2025, and Untangling the Errors of Others soon in our On-Demand Library. And be on the lookout for the replay of our Strategic Plan and Bylaws webinar that we held for members on October 30th! In it, we outline an evolving draft of our next strategic goals and proposed bylaws changes that are being explored. Updating our strategic plan and governing bylaws document will continue to ensure we have the structure in place and a direction defined for future growth.
With the holiday season approaching, I want to take some time to express my gratitude to our Board, our committee participants, and all our CAMFT members. Together, we have accomplished much in a relatively short period of time. With legislation that broadens access to MFTs, strides made with license portability, and evolving structures to be more inclusive, we are doing more, together! I’m also immensely grateful that our members were amenable to our new PAC initiative. Many members are embracing the $4 dollar donation to our political action committee upon membership renewal. As a result, we’ve been able to strengthen our advocacy efforts to support legislators who prioritize mental health and understand the needs of MFTs. If you’d like to contribute even more, donations are always accepted and appreciated!
Finally, I am excited to announce that our next Advocacy Day will be held in Sacramento on January 28th, 2025. For the first time, this event is open to all members, but please act fast, registration will be capped at 50 members! This is a great opportunity for our members to come together to advocate for the issues that impact the profession while also educating legislators on the MFT scope of practice. CE credit is available, and training will be provided to ensure that you feel confident when meeting with legislators and their staff. Click here to learn more and register for this exciting event. I hope to see you there!
With care, Joy Alafia, MBA, CAE Executive Director
IN THIS NEWSLETTER YOU WILL FIND:
NEW LAW CHANGES LICENSURE DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS AND SUPERVISOR 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.
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.”
Number of Supervisees per Supervisor
Effective January 1, 2025, the law clarifies “supervisee” qualifications for group and individual or triadic supervision in nonexempt settings and applies supervisee limits consistently across all nonexempt settings where a supervisor works.
Refer to the BBS FAQ to read more about these clarifications to the number of supervisees across different settings.
*Please note: The BBS FAQ currently lists this date as January 1, 2025; however, the correct date is July 1. The BBS will release an updated FAQ to reflect the accurate effective date for this provision.
DON’T FORGET TO COMPLETE YOUR CEUS WHEN YOU RENEW YOUR LICENSE!
California law requires BBS licensees to complete 36 hours of continuing education (CE) coursework prior to each active status license renewal. Beginning January 1, 2023, registered associates are required to complete 3 hours of CE coursework in CA law and ethics during each renewal period to renew their registration.
In recent months, we have seen quite a few citations issued by the BBS for failure to complete the required CE hours. Several of these citations included references to completing the required CEs after the renewal date. Licensees and registrants are encouraged to review the BBS CE requirements
Licensees: Licensee Continuing Education Information Brochure
Registrants
DMHC TAKES ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS ON HEALTH PLANS TO ENSURE TIMELY ACCESS AND ADDRESS PAYMENT DISPUTES
Health Care Services (DHCS) announced a settlement agreement with L.A. Care Health Plan requiring the plan to make improvements to ensure timely access to necessary health care services and improve processing provider disputes and payments, among other actions and significant financial penalties.
DMHC also fined Blue Cross of California Partnership Plan, Inc. and Blue Cross of California for failing to address claims payment disputes in a timely manner. The Department reminds health plans of the requirement to acknowledge and resolve provider payment disputes promptly within 45 working days.
Healthcare providers wanting to dispute payment with a health plan should submit the dispute to the Provider Dispute Resolution (PDR) mechanism. Providers can subsequently request a review from DMHC if the PDR has been filed and is pending within that process for more than 45 working days. Visit the DMHC website Provider Complaint page for more information on the process of disputing a payment with a health plan.
INTRODUCING A NEW BILL TO EXPAND MFT ROLES IN THE VA
Rep. Julia Brownley has introduced HR 8165, a bill to increase the number of qualified Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA Marriage and Family Therapist Equity Act in HR 8165 aims to remove barriers for California MFTs working in the VA system by easing accreditation requirements and providing clearer career paths.
Please urge your elected officials to co-sponsor this crucial legislation. You may act now by filling out our call to action form to support this bill's progress through Congress.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE BBS NEWSLETTER The BBS Newsletter is your go-to source for the latest updates, announcements, and insights directly from the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Sign up for either General information updates, covering topics like licensing, exams, renewals, legislation, and agenda notices, or opt for Enforcement Actions to stay informed about fines and citations. You can subscribe to one or both newsletters here.
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. The next BBS meeting will take place on November 14 -15 in Sacramento. To see webcast info and more, Click here.
ARE YOU LICENSED AND WONDERING WHAT TO DO ABOUT YOUR MEDICARE PROVIDER ELIGIBILITY?
As of January 1, 2024, LMFTs and MHCs (AKA LPCCs) are eligible Medicare providers. Licensees should consider how their Medicare provider eligibility impacts their patient, employment, and contract relationships. For more information about an MFTs’ options regarding Medicare and the Medicare system, visit CAMFT’s Medicare Corner.
Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce that CAMFT’s Advocacy Day will be held on January 28, 2025, in Sacramento. This is an amazing opportunity for our members to come together, engage with our state legislators, and advocate for the issues that impact the MFT community.
We look forward to seeing you for a day of impactful conversations and networking. Click here to learn more and register.
TAKE THE BYLAWS SURVEY
Our Bylaws Committee continues to review CAMFT’s Bylaws, ensuring our Bylaws reflect the needs of our community. As members, your voice and input matter. Please help steer our committee’s efforts by sharing your insights on pre-licensed voting rights, agency memberships, board composition, and more. Click here to take the quick survey.
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION: PAC DONATION NOW INCLUDED IN MEMBERSHIP DUES
We're excited to announce that as of May 31st, we've launched a new PAC initiative. A voluntary $4.00 state PAC donation is now automatically added to your annual membership dues, in line with similar associations in California. You can opt out or donate more if you'd like (the average donation is $25). Your support is vital to our advocacy efforts, and any contribution is greatly appreciated. To learn more about the CAMFT PAC and to see our FAQ please click here.
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00pm CE’s: 3 Fee: Chapter Member $60 | CAMFT Member $65 | Non-Member $85 Workshop Description: As we enter the holiday season, there is no gift less desired by a therapist than being served with a subpoena. In this three-hour webinar, attendees will learn the purpose of different types of subpoenas, how to digest a subpoena, steps to take in responding to a subpoena, and the role of the psychotherapist-patient privilege.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to:
Register Now
Get ready for an unforgetable experience! Our annual conference is a great chance to learn from expert speakers, dive into transformative workshops, and network with colleagues. Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for exciting updates.
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am PST CE's: 3 Fee: Free
NBCC and the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition are proud to present The Year in Review and What’s Ahead: Counselors and MFTs in Medicare on Nov. 14 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am PST. The featured speaker will be Dr. Doug Jacobs, Chief Transformation Officer in the Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Since Jan. 1, 2024, mental health counselors (MHCs) and marriage and family therapists (MFTs) have been recognized providers in Medicare, the nation’s largest health insurance program. This important policy achievement has helped them become major players in addressing the mental health needs of older adults.
MHCs and MFTs can now bill Medicare directly for covered services provided to seniors and eligible individuals with disabilities in their private practices. The legislation also opens employment opportunities for MFTs and counselors in multiple healthcare delivery settings and systems (e.g., community health centers), which will improve access to mental health care for older Americans.
This webinar is an opportunity for providers who have not enrolled to learn about the results of the first year of enrollment, including improvements and investments that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made to increase access to care for Medicare beneficiaries through the 2024 and 2025 Physician Fee Schedules. Participants will also learn how providers can take advantage of those improvements and the benefits of participating from MFTs and MHCs enrolled in the Medicare program.
During this webinar, attendees will:
One hour of continuing education credit is available for live event attendance.
REGISTER NOW - IT’S FREE!
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! REPRESENT PRE-LICENSEES AS THE PRE-LICENSED DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE ON THE BOARD!
We have an open Board position just for you! This is your chance to make a real impact in our association, share your unique perspective, and help shape the profession's future. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow your leadership skills and work with Board leaders. Your voice matters—apply today and be a part of something bigger!
For more details and to submit your application, click here. The deadline is November 11, so submit your application ASAP!
REMINDER: PRE-LICENSEES CANNOT START THEIR OWN PRACTICE OR WORK AS CONTRACTORS
We’ve been receiving a lot of questions from pre-licensed therapists as to whether they can work as 1099 contractors and/or set up their own practice or corporation to provide therapy services.
Here’s the clarification: Pre-licensed therapists cannot own private practices or corporations and must be paid as a W-2 employee or a volunteer employee.
There are specific, limited circumstances under which a pre-licensed therapist may be paid as a 1099 contractor. These include situations like volunteering and receiving reimbursement for expenses actually incurred and/or receiving a stipend or educational loan repayment from a program designed to encourage demographically underrepresented groups to enter the profession, or to improve recruitment and retention in underserved areas.
As employees or volunteers, pre-licensed therapists cannot have a proprietary interest in their employer’s business and cannot lease space or pay for employer responsibilities, such as equipment and supplies.
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. Log in to view.
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.
CAMFT'S ATTORNEYS PRESENT AT REDDING REGIONAL CHAPTER
CAMFT Staff attorneys Alain Montgomery, Esq. and Bradley Muldrow, Esq. presented “Time for a Tune-Up! An L&E Refresher on Minor Consent for Mental Health Treatment, Dual Relationships, and Patient Records,” to the Redding Regional Chapter members on Friday, September 27. The 6-hour presentation and catered lunch took place at the beautiful McConnell Foundation.
The Chapter President, Ashley Green, LMFT, reported receiving great reviews from attendees. Everyone loved the facility, the catering, and meeting the CAMFT attorneys and the Executive Director, Joy Alafia. The attendees also commented on how knowledgeable the attorneys were, how involved the audience was, and how they enjoyed collaborating with others.
To make the presentation easily accessible to all, event organizers were provided a QR code, allowing attendees to view the slides instantly—a feature our members loved!
ATTENTION CHAPTER MEMBERS: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS NEW BENEFIT! CAMFT is offering chapter members a $5 discount on the 2024 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.
CAMFT MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND CHAPTERS' EVENTS Click here for a listing of events by Chapter/Region.
WELCOME NEW CEPA PROVIDERS
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 11/30/24 and use the code CEPACHEER when calling in your payment to get 25% off the Initial Application Fee. Get the details.
If you’re a supervisor, there’s a new law that will go into effect next year that you need to know about!
Starting in 2025, California’s SB 1024 law will clarify group supervision requirements and specifies who is included in the limit of supervisees in nonexempt settings.
You can read more about this law change under Legal Matters.
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 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 “Cheat Sheet” to help write your Case Summary, CLICK HERE. Please remember that Consultants must review and approve the Case Summary before the Verification of Completion application goes to the Committee.
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!
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 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 EDITION EDITION OF THE THERAPIST Place your display ad order by December 1, 2024. More Information.
CAMFT offers a special negotiated discount with ADP—the leading provider of payroll, human resources and benefits.
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