About Us | Chapters | Advertising
About Us | Chapters | Advertising | Join
Email : infocenter@camft.org
Phone : (858) 292-2638
Dear Members,
I’m returning from the Board of Directors meeting, and I’m eager to share a few highlights with you. Notably, staff reported that CAMFT is on track to successfully meet our goals for our 2023 – 2024 Strategic Plan. The plan was ambitious and served as our focus for the past two years. We can all share a feeling of accomplishment as it relates to MFTs' inclusion as eligible Medicare providers, work with the BBS to consider changing to a National Exam, laws adopted in several states that increase license portability, and insights gained regarding a high level of awareness of MFTs amongst the therapy seeking population. Work is now underway to develop our next strategic plan, guided in large part by you, our members, via CAMFT’s strategic planning survey. Additionally, ardent work is underway by CAMFT’s Bylaws Committee and Board to update our bylaws. I wish to invite members to learn more about these exciting developments during our Strategic Planning & Bylaws webinar Wednesday, October 30th at 12PM.
If you’re feeling inspired by our strategic efforts and would like to have a hand in creating new ideas for CAMFT, I hope you’ll consider applying to join our Board of Directors starting in 2025. The deadline for applications is coming up quickly on October 25th, so be sure to read more about open positions and how to apply here. You can also get involved by joining us on Advocacy Day on January 28 in Sacramento. Please SAVE THE DATE!
I also hope you’ll consider joining us at the annual Fall Symposium, coming up soon on November 1st in San Jose! You’ll earn up to six CEs with two Law & Ethics workshops hosted by our staff attorneys, Bradley Muldrow and Kristin Roscoe. In addition to the workshops, this full-day symposium includes a networking luncheon, access to three audio recordings from the Annual Conference for an additional six CEs and a rush-hour reception. You can register to join us in person, or join the livestream!
Finally, if you’re in grad school (or know someone who is), you might want to consider applying for one of our scholarships. Each year, CAMFT’s Education Foundation offers more than $20,000 to outstanding candidates pursuing a career in the field of marriage and family therapy. Explore our list of available scholarships here, and be sure to apply (or nominate someone!) by November 8.
As always, I want to thank you for your membership. We’re excited to partner closely with you all as we continue driving progress for all MFTs.
With care, Joy Alafia, MBA, CAE Executive Director
IN THIS NEWSLETTER YOU WILL FIND:
THE BBS MOVES FORWARD WITH PROPOSAL FOR MFT NATIONAL CLINICAL EXAM
The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) took another step forward in potentially accepting the Association of Marital and Family Therapists Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national exam for licensure in California. On September 20, 2024, the BBS Board voted to pursue necessary statutory amendments as a legislative proposal in next year’s legislative session. These statutory amendments will allow the Board the authority to adopt a national clinical exam through its regulations. This remains a process that can take several years.
CAMFT will continue to work closely with BBS staff and the AMFTRB on next steps to adopt the AMFTRB national exam so that California-licensed MFTs have better license portability and fewer hurdles to obtain federal employment. To learn more about license portability and the national exam, please read both CAMFT’s FAQ on License Portability and our FAQ on the MFT National Exam.
NEW LAW EXPANDS ACCESS TO MFTS IN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
MFTs are eligible providers within Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). However, if an FQHC/RHC wants to add MFTs to their list of billable providers, they must submit a change in scope of services, a process that can be administratively intensive and costly.
Fortunately, on September 27, 2024, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2703 into law to remove this existing statutory barrier for community health centers wanting to add MFTs as billable providers. This change will streamline the process, making it easier for community health centers to add more MFTs to their care delivery system. Read the press release.
CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE ROLLS OUT OCTOBER 16th
Senate Bill (SB) 525 was signed into law to phase in statewide minimum wage increases for health care workers employed by covered health care facilities. The state announced in early October that the $25 health care worker minimum wage will start rolling out on October 16, 2024.
Not every eligible health care worker will receive a minimum wage increase right away. The California Department of Industrial Relations has a FAQ resource which provides more information on the health care minimum wage increase and when it takes effect for different types of health care facilities.
Click here to learn more about which healthcare facilities are covered, and if these minimum wage increases may impact you.
CALIFORNIA ESTABLISHES STATE JOBS FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS
On September 9, 2024, the State Personnel Board voted to establish three new state classifications specific for those licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy. MFTs may pursue these state positions to work in state-operated institutions and clinics, including mental hospitals, mental health clinics, and correctional institutions.
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is working on final adoption and salary determination. Once completed, job openings for these classifications will become available to apply on the state’s job site.
BBS WORKING ON ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR AMFT REGISTRATION
The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is working on an exciting new development to bring the application for AMFT registration online. BBS staff efforts project a timeline for completion throughout 2025.
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.
REMINDER OF NEW REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CORPORATIONS
As of January 1, 2024, various business entities, including professional corporations, will be required to report certain ownership information to the United States Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Many nonprofits are exempt from this reporting requirement and the requirement would not generally apply to most typical sole proprietorships. To determine whether your business entity falls under this new reporting requirement, please see FinCEN's FAQ or contact a private attorney specializing in business, nonprofit, or corporate law to obtain independent legal consultation. According to FinCEN, reporting companies (i.e. companies required to report certain ownership information, pursuant to this new law) must submit beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports to FinCEN electronically through an online filing system that can be accessed through FinCEN's website.
Reporting companies with questions about beneficial ownership can reach out to FinCEN via its website. Alternatively, these companies may wish to obtain independent legal consultation regarding Corporate Transparency Act compliance from private attorneys specializing in business or corporate law.
MEDICARE & OPTING OUT THINGS TO KNOW!
As of January 1, 2024, LMFTs and MHCs (AKA LPCCs) are eligible Medicare providers. Licensees should act to ensure they have addressed Medicare as it relates to their patient, employment and contract relationships. Those who wish to enroll can visit the Medicare Corner at camft.org/Medicare to find out how to enroll as Fee-For-Service and/or Medicare Advantage providers. Those who plan to opt out should first consider how opting out might impact their relationships and any future job opportunities.
Opted out providers are opted out of the Medicare system for all purposes and all settings (i.e. a provider cannot opt out of seeing Medicare patients in their private practice setting and still work as a Medicare provider who bills the Medicare system for services rendered for the hospital they work for part-time.)
Once providers submit an opt out affidavit, they have only have 90 days for the date of submitting an initial opt-out affidavit to change their mind and contact the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) to terminate opt out status. The opt out period last for two years.
Information for providers who mistakenly opted out of Medicare:
Providers who opted out of Medicare and are facing consequences with employers or entities whom they are employed by or have contracted with may be able to submit provider enrollment reconsideration requests.
A reconsideration request is an opportunity for a provider who has surpassed the 90-day opt out withdrawal window to furnish evidence that demonstrates that there was an error made at the time of the initial determination affecting participation in the Medicare Program. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ reconsideration request form can be found here. The coversheet needed to submit the reconsideration request form can be found here. Note: Reconsideration request forms must be submitted within 65 days of the initial determination date to be considered. CMS has up to 90 days to issue a decision.
ATTEND BBS BOARD MEETINGS
We at CAMFT encourage all members to attend BBS Board and Committee meetings, either in person or virtually, to better understand upcoming changes to your licensure path, supervision requirements, workforce development, etc. Click here to see upcoming meetings in 2024.
SCHOLARSHIP/GRANTS—CAMFT GIVING AWAY FREE MONEY!*
Now that we have your attention, let’s talk about your future. The CAMFT Educational Foundation gives away over $20,000 every year by offering five 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)
NOMINATE YOUR COLLEAGUE TO RECOGNIZE THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Each year CAMFT is thrilled to recognize the fantastic accomplishments of our members and others in the industry. Four honors will be awarded to distinguished CAMFT members, school, or agency that have contributed in a significant way to the body of literature or research informing the profession of marriage and family therapy or have engaged in projects or committed to a mission that has enhanced the quality and reputation of the profession.
Nominations are now being accepted for the following:
Nominate your exceptional colleague, school, or agency for their extraordinary achievements!
The Online Application for each Honor and Award makes it SUPER EASY to apply! To apply for one of these opportunities—or to nominate someone else—click here.
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 choose to 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.
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT ADVOCACY DAY!
Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce that CAMFT’s Advocacy Day will be held on January 28th, 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. Stay tuned for more details on registration!
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.
CAMFT FALL SYMPOSIUM—In-person AND Livestream!
The Fall Symposium will be held on Friday, November 1st in San Jose, and we want to see you there! Attendees will have the opportunity to earn six CEs with two workshops in Law & Ethics. New Year, New Laws: What You Need to Know to Thrive in 2025 presented by CAMFT staff Attorney Bradley Muldrow, JD will break down key new laws in 2025. CAMFT staff attorney, Kristin Roscoe, JD will cover BBS complaints and the disciplinary process in her workshop, Untangling the Errors of Others.
This full day symposium includes the workshops, networking lunch, access to three audio recordings from the Annual Conference for an additional six CEs and a rush hour reception. Rates for Clinical members start at $249. Register today!
Can't attend in person, the workshops will be livestreamed. Register for the livestream.
Need to get some Law & Ethics CEs in 2024? CAMFT’s staff attorneys are offering two 3-hour live webinars. Chapter members receive a $5 discount on registration.
Time: 9:oo am – 12:00pm CE's: 3 Fee: Chapter Member $60 | CAMFT Member $65 | Non-Member $85
Workshop Description: During this three (3) hour presentation, CAMFT Staff Attorney Alain Montgomery, JD will examine issues related to rendering mental health services via telehealth to help providers adopt sound legal and ethical practices around the use of telehealth. The workshop will review the legal standards of practice for telehealth and review sections in the CAMFT Code of Ethics that address telehealth best practices. Additional topics include matters related to rendering services to clients via telehealth who are physically located in other states and/or other countries and discuss the technical safeguards that protect client information when using videoconferencing technology.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to:
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.
Register Now
FREE MEDICARE WEBINAR! LEARN ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES WITH COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTORS
The Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition, the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD), and the National Board for Certified Counselors are collaborating to present a free webinar, “Engagement Opportunities for County Behavioral Health Directors with MHCs and MFTs Under Medicare,” on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. PDT.
The webinar will feature a panel of representatives focusing on educating mental health counselors (MHCs) and MFTs on the resources that County Behavioral Health Directors provide and how clinicians can work with these directors to support care for Medicare beneficiaries.
After the webinar, attendees will be able to:
One hour of continuing education credit is available for attendance of the live event.
Register for this free webinar today!
Did you miss our previous webinars? You can watch the recorded sessions here.
Many graduates dream of private practice, but there’s another rewarding path that often gets overlooked: Community Mental Health. Rebecca Hines, our Pre-Licensed Director at Large, shares her journey from aspiring private practitioner to finding unexpected fulfillment in CMH—complete with job stability, meaningful client connections, and a supportive team environment. Read more (Members only).
Is it time to slow down a bit? While students often are in a hurry to get their degree and begin meaningful work, it’s easy to overlook the importance of staying present in the journey. A bit of mindfulness can help deepen understanding, enhance your practice, and encourage meaningful growth. Learn more about why Hamaseh Kianfar, LMFT, considers presence to be a foundational skill. Read more (Members only).
JOIN A LOCAL CAMFT CHAPTER
CAMFT has 24 chapters throughout the state that offer local programs and networking opportunities for MFTs. Check with your local chapter to learn about 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 CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT CAMFT'S COMMUNITY REVIVAL The Return of In-person Chapter Events After COVID Jonathan Flier, LMFT Chapter Advisory Council Member
Read more.
ATTENTION CHAPTER MEMBERS: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS NEW BENEFIT! CAMFT Community Revival 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 10/31/24 and use the code CEPACHEER when calling in your payment to get 25% off the Initial Application Fee. Get the details.
LET CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES KNOW THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO BE A CONSULTANT
The Directory also lets those interested in becoming a Certified Supervisor know who is willing to be a Consultant. Simply Log-In to your Dashboard to the area under Certified Supervisor Program and click on “Willing to be a Consultant for a Certified Supervisor Applicant” - Candidates can even sort the list by those who are willing!
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 you 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.
Savings You Expect. Members save on eyewear and eye care with a network doctor.
Choices You Deserve. Vision Service Plan has an average of five network doctors within five miles of you.
Styles You’ll Love. Stylish frames for the whole family with hundreds of fashionable options.
View Rates and Enroll with Vision Insurance