SCAM ALERT! BE SURE TO VERIFY CALLS FROM THE BBS 

The CAMFT Legal team has heard reports from members that therapists are still being targeted by a scam where fraudsters falsely identify themselves as employees of the BBS. These callers claim that the licensee/registrant is under investigation by the BBS, and in some cases, the scammers demand payment to resolve the disciplinary action and/or attempt to extort money or obtain sensitive information.  

If you get a call that appears suspicious, you can hang up and call the BBS directly at (916) 574-7830 (even if the number on your caller ID shows that number). You can also take down the caller’s information and let them know you will call the BBS directly and then hang up.  

For updates on scams targeting California-licensed professionals, you can also visit DCA's Scam Alert page. 

MID-YEAR PAC UPDATE

We are excited to share our Mid-Year PAC Update! As we have passed the halfway point of the year, we want to thank you for your support. Our progress this year is a testament to the power of collective action. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us make a bigger impact. Together we can continue to drive positive change within our community with your support to the CAMFT PAC.

Thank you for your involvement and dedication. We couldn’t do this without your support!

STEINBERG INSTITUTE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE SURVEY 

As CAMFT continues to engage with partner organizations and state departments on strategies to build and support a behavioral health workforce, we will share opportunities for you to provide your experiences and input.  

The Steinberg Institute is conducting a 20-minute survey open to all direct care providers in the California behavioral health workforce. The survey is designed to illuminate the experience of providers across the behavioral health workforce in California. Data gathered from the survey will culminate in a comprehensive report released by the Steinberg Institute in 2025. 

One respondent from each provider designation will win a $100 Visa gift card. Providers will be entered into this drawing after completing the survey. Take the survey here. 

TELEHEALTH POLICIES FOR MEDI-CAL PROVIDERS 

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently updated its permanent telehealth policies and provided important clarifications for providers rendering Medi-Cal services via telehealth.  

Medi-Cal providers furnishing services to Medi-Cal recipients through telehealth must also either offer services in-person or have a documented process in place to link Medi-Cal recipients to in-person care within a reasonable time if in-person services are unavailable. If the Medi-Cal recipient is satisfied with their telehealth care, no referral to in-person care is needed. 

If a Medi-Cal recipient chooses to receive services in-person and in-person services are unavailable from the provider, the Medi-Cal provider must make an effort to make a referral and maintain documentation of their process to link the Medi-Cal recipient to in-person care. 

Visit the DHCS Medi-Cal & Telehealth page to review the Department’s telehealth policies. For additional information about Medi-Cal coverage and reimbursement telehealth policies, as well as resources for providers, visit the Telehealth Resources page.

JOIN A FREE MEDICARE WEBINAR ON SEPTEMBER 26 

The Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition is hosting a free webinar titled "Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Promote Well-Being" on September 26 at 9 AM PDT (12 PM EDT). 

 With Medicare enrollment underway, it is important for practicing counselors and therapists to consider which treatments will be effective with older adult clients. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an increasingly popular approach to treatment that shows promise for helping older adults attain well-being, even in response to conditions like depression and anxiety. Please join the Coalition for this practice focused webinar that will review transtheoretical treatment considerations related to working with older adults, followed by a deeper dive into utilizing ACT for this population. 

Register for this free webinar today at Webinar Registration - Zoom. 

Did you miss the Coalition previous Medicare webinars? You can watch the recorded sessions here Medicare | NBCC.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OPTING OUT OF MEDICARE  

As of January 1, 2024, LMFTs and MHCs (AKA LPCCs) are eligible Medicare providers. Licensees must act to ensure they have addressed Medicare as it relates to their patient, employment and contract relationships. CAMFT strongly recommends those who plan to opt out first consider how opting out might impact those relationships and any future job opportunities. 

Here are some facts about opting out: 

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 in error and are now facing consequences with employers or entities whom they are contracted with should be aware of the opportunity to submit provider enrollment reconsideration requests.  

Once a provider submits an opt-out affidavit, the provider has 90 days to change their mind, rescind their opt-out affidavit and enroll in Medicare. Those who mistakenly opted out and are outside of the 90-day period can submit a reconsideration request directly to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).    

A reconsideration request is an opportunity for a provider to furnish evidence that demonstrates that there was an error made at the time of the initial determination affecting participation in the Medicare Program. Noridian Health Care Solutions’ reconsideration request forms 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.

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.

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. 

REGISTER FOR THE SEPTEMBER 20^TH WEBINAR 

Friday, September 20, 2024 
Presenter:  Michael Griffin, JD, CAE 
CAMFT Staff Attorney 
Time: 9 am – 12 pm 
CEs:  3  
Fee: Chapter Member $60 | CAMFT Member $65 | Non-Member $85 

The workshop will discuss key issues involved when working with suicidal clients, including: 
The incidence of suicide, statistical and demographic data, avoiding liability, standards of care; identifying risk factors for suicide and undertaking reasonable protective actions, the “Zero Suicide Model,” relevant exceptions to confidentiality, relevant ethical standards and issues involving documentation. 

The workshop will discuss key issues involved when working with dangerous clients, including: 
Standards of care, the “duty to protect” based upon Tarasoff v. Regents of Univ. of Calif., (1976) and Civil Code §43.92, the meaning of “patient communication” based upon Ewing v. Goldstein, Ph.D. (2004) and Ewing v. Northridge Hospital Center, (2004), the “duty to report,” based upon Welfare and Institutions Code §8100(b)(1) and §8105(c), and relevant exceptions to confidentiality. 

REGISTER FOR THE SEPTEMBER 26TH MEDICARE COALITION WEBINAR

Earn 1 CE credit by attending the upcoming Medicare Coalition webinar, “Counseling Older Adults: Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Promote Well-Being,” on Sept. 26th from 10-11 AM Pacific time. 

With Medicare enrollment underway, this webinar is crucial for counselors working with older adult clients. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a promising approach for treating depression and anxiety in this population.  

We’re lucky to have Dr. Matthew Fullen, a leading expert on aging and mental health, host this webinar. He’s a terrific speaker and is very knowledgeable about the clinical needs of older adults with mental health conditions. In this hour-long workshop, Dr. Fullen will walk us through transtheoretical treatment principles and the application of ACT to enhance older adults' well-being. You can read more about Dr. Fullen’s breakthrough research at Virginia Tech here.  

Register for this free webinar today.  

Did you miss the previous Medicare coalition webinars? You can watch the recorded sessions here.  

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. 

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FALL SYMPOSIUM!

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!

JOIN US FOR THE VIRTUAL PRE-LICENSED SYMPOSIUM – FREE! 

Join us from the comfort of your home on Saturday, September 28, from 9am – 12pm for an enriching symposium! We’ll feature both a keynote speaker from the Board of Behavioral Sciences and an expert panel of MFTs. Gain valuable insights and strategies to help you prepare for licensure in specialty areas and certifications such as EFT, EMDR, IFS, and more. REGISTER HERE! 

READ THE SUMMER EDITION OF THE PRE-LICENSED NEWSLETTER! 

Did you miss it?  

The latest edition is packed with crucial information for those on the path to licensure. Stay informed with the latest on the clinical exam, the transition to a national exam, current BBS wait times, form submission tips, and Medi-Cal enrollment advice. Read it now! 

CAMFT'S ATTORNEYS PRESENT AT OUR CHAPTERS 

CAMFT’s attorneys are scheduled to offer a few in-person Law & Ethics presentations to our Chapters. Non-Chapter members are also welcome to attend. Each presentation is eligible for 6 CEs. To register for any of these presentations, click on the Chapters listed below. 

Redding Regional  
Friday, September 27, 2024 
9:00am – 4:30 pm 
“Minors Consent/Working with Minors, Dual Relationships, and Records/documentation” 
Presented by Alain Montgomery, Esq. and Bradley Muldrow, Esq. 

Southwest Riverside County 
Friday, October 11, 2024  
8:30 am – 3:30 am 
“How to Avoid Being Sued! - Staying Out of Legal Trouble with Client, Employees, and 3rd Party Organizations”  
Presented by Luke Martin, MBA, Esq. 

Sierra Foothills 
Saturday, October 12, 2024 
8:00 am – 3:00 pm 
“Legal and Ethical issues involving Telehealth; and the Treatment of Minors “  

Presented by Mike Griffin, Esq., LCSW 

San Diego North County 
Friday, November 15, 2024 
9:00 am – 4:00 pm 
“BBS complaints, Tarasoff and Dangerous Patients, Informed Consent Issues, Ethics of Advertising, and Medicare”  
Presented by Sara Jasper, Esq. 

WELCOME NEW CEPA PROVIDERS

• Donald Turnmire, LMFT, 200 YTT, TCYM 

• AlignED Care Eating Disorder and Mental Health Center 

• Uthymia Group 

WELCOME TO OUR NEW CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISORS 

• Margaret Burkle
• Debbie Elmire
• Sean Cook
• Erik Metzger

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!  

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.  

NOW OPEN!  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: 

• Mary Riemersma Distinguished Clinical Member 
• Honorary Distinguished Clinical Member (non-CAMFT member) 
• Clark Vincent Award 
• Outstanding School or Agency Award 

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.

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL TO BE A PEER PRESENTER IN 2025! 

Have you ever wanted to present at a conference? We are seeking workshop proposals from mental health professionals who have special insight into the newest wave of therapeutic approaches, technology, and practice development, and more. 

If you are enthusiastic about sharing your vision, we invite you to submit a proposal to present at the Annual Conference in May 2025, or the Fall Symposium in October 2025.  

Peer presenters will be promoted on the event webpage and receive complimentary registration to the event. All travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the presenter. 

Possible topics may include, but are not limited to: 

• Adolescent Development (i.e. Social media, self-harm and depression)  
• Attachment Theory 
• Couples/Relationship Therapy 
• Eating Disorders and Body Image  
• Neurodiversity  
• Telehealth (i.e., Best practices, etc.)  
• Therapist Self-Care 
• Work with LGBTQIA2S+ community
• Practice Development (i.e. Marketing, book writing, etc) 
• Mindfulness 

Invitation Code: #CAMFT 

CAMFT’s 2025 Call for Speakers is now open until August 30, 2024. 

Submit your proposal today!

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