camft.org | Behind the Scenes July 2011

July, 2011

Welcome to our newest feature: “CAMFT: Behind the Scenes”. This monthly, online column will provide members with a backstage pass to see what CAMFT is doing to serve our members and how we are working to insure that MFTs interests are being served.

Staff attended meetings with: Department of Mental Health (Stakeholder Meeting), Access Coalition, Mental Health Services Act Partners Forum, Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, the Irregulars, MFT Regional Consortium of Sacramento Valley, MFT Leadership Collaborative, BBS Policy and Advocacy Committee, Executive Director of AAMFT-CA. It is critical for CAMFT to have a place at the table with other mental health professionals and regulatory bodies. These meetings will always be a high priority.
Staff submitted 2 position letters to the following Committees: Assembly Committee on Appropriations and Senate Committee on Appropriations. In addition, staff submitted a letter to the Governor and a position letter to a Senator. The legislature recessed on July 15 for one month. CAMFT consistently sends position letters to key legislators to reinforce how proposed legislation may be beneficial or harmful to MFTs. Advocacy is a cornerstone of CAMFT’s commitment to members.
Staff Attorneys responded to 1,665 calls from members on legal, ethical, and licensure issues. Access to this expert, legal guidance is one of the most beneficial and popular member benefits.
10,622 people visited the CounselingCalifornia.com website, with visits to 2,424 different therapist profiles. This website is a free, marketing tool available to all clinical and life members as a way to promote your services to the public. Create your profile now.
Board members participated in Chapter meetings in: Los Angeles and Santa Cruz. Chapter meetings are a prime opportunity for CAMFT leadership and staff to hear directly from members and exchange ideas for serving members.
Staff Attorneys presented Law and Ethics seminars at the following chapters/agencies: Victor Community Support Services Center and Sacramento Valley Chapter. The law and ethics seminar is a valuable training tool that gets consistently positive response from MFTs and other participants.
Staff distributed an article to 20 California medical association magazines/newsletters discussing how physicians and MFTs can work together to treat patients with mental health issues. CAMFT regularly conducts outreach to other professionals.
Staff posted 7 new video podcasts on CounselingCalifornia.com. The 2-5 minute videos feature CAMFT members addressing topical mental wellness issues. CounselingCalifornia.com strives to educate the public about the benefits of mental wellness and how to access services.
Staff and Board members presented to the following schools: Career and Personal Development Institute and Pepperdine University. Presentation to schools is an effective way to engage the next generation of CAMFT members.
Staff and Board members participated in 2 PAC events. The goal of the CAMFT PAC is to insure that Marriage and Family Therapist-friendly candidates and incumbents from both political parties get elected to the California legislature. We support candidates who have demonstrated an understanding and willingness to fight for the issues most important to Marriage and Family Therapists.
Staff exhibited at the American Mental Health Counselors Association. We market CAMFT to potential new members around the state.

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California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists | 7901 Raytheon Road, San Diego, CA 92111-1606
Phone: (858) 292-2638 | Fax: (858) 292-2666