Candidate for Pre-licensed Director-at-Large

Emily Hart Roth
Candidate Statement

Thank you to the CAMFT Nominating Committee for this opportunity to run for Pre-Licensed Director-At-Large. I am deeply honored and excited to bring my experience and passion to this role as we navigate a pivotal time for our profession.

My name is Emily Hart Roth, and I am a dedicated pre-licensed therapist, single mother, and advocate for the future of mental health. Working toward licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy, I have become passionate about advancing our field through innovative approaches and addressing the unique challenges MFTs face.

CAMFT stands at an important crossroads, with growing opportunities to expand our profession’s impact and support for members. I am committed to championing the needs of MFTs by focusing on:

• Advocacy: Addressing systemic barriers to licensure, including equitable access to supervision, streamlined processes, and greater support for pre-licensed therapists balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
• Technology: Bridging the gap between emerging tech solutions and real-world clinical practice, ensuring MFTs have access to tools that enhance, not complicate, our work.
• Growth and Representation: Promoting diverse perspectives within our profession and increasing accessibility for underrepresented groups to thrive as clinicians.

As Lead of the Social Justice Committee for the North American Climate Psychology Association, I’ve developed a keen awareness of how systemic issues like climate health intersect with mental health. My work on the board of EverwildLA, an organization fostering outdoor experiential education, and my certification as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide have deepened my understanding of how healing extends beyond the therapy room. These experiences shape my commitment to championing holistic approaches to mental health care. 

During my journey as an AMFT, I have served the Los Angeles area in diverse settings—from high schools to private practice—both in-person and online. I’ve witnessed the promise and pitfalls of integrating technology into clinical work and am uniquely positioned to advocate for effective, accessible tech tools that simplify the licensure process while safeguarding our profession’s integrity.

As a single mother and pre-licensed clinician, I understand firsthand the financial, emotional, and logistical challenges many of us face. I am committed to ensuring that CAMFT fosters a culture where every member feels valued and represented. I believe in proactive outreach, transparent communication, and inclusive leadership to address the evolving needs of our community.

If elected, I will bring energy, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to the board, working alongside members to amplify our voices and enhance the resources available to us. By aligning CAMFT’s strategic goals with the lived experiences of MFTs, we can create a future where licensure is more accessible, and our profession is empowered to meet the growing demand for mental health services.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am honored to serve and contribute to CAMFT’s mission of advancing the future of our profession while ensuring the success of its members. Together, we can shape a dynamic, inclusive, and thriving future for Marriage and Family Therapists.

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