Welcome to “Behind the Scenes”.   This monthly, online column provides members with a backstage pass to see what CAMFT is doing to serve our members and how we are working to ensure that LMFTs interests are being served.

January, 2012

• Staff attended meetings with: CA Coalition for Mental Health, Mental Health Irregulars, Access Coalition, MFT Leadership Collaborative, CA Psychiatric Association, CA Psychological Association, BBS-Policy and Advocacy Committee, and Evaluation Resources Management (“TERM”) Advisory Board meeting. 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 Attorneys responded to 2,007 calls from members on law, ethics, and business-related questions. Access to this expert, legal guidance is one of the most beneficial and popular member benefits.
  
  
• 15,222 people visited the CounselingCalifornia.com website, with hits to 3,933 different therapist profiles. This marketing tool is available to all clinical, associate, and life members for the purpose of promoting your services to the public.  Create your profile now.
  
  
• Staff submitted 2 position letters to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, 1 position letter to the Assembly Committee on Business, Professions and Consumer Protection, 1 position letter to Senator Mark Leno, and 1 letter to the California Health Benefits Exchange Board. CAMFT consistently interacts with key legislators to reinforce how proposed legislation may be beneficial or harmful to LMFTs and MFT Interns and Trainees.   Advocacy is a cornerstone of CAMFT’s commitment to members.
  
  
• Staff and Board members participated in 4 meetings with chapters: Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Ventura, and Orange County. Chapter meetings are a prime opportunity for CAMFT leadership and staff to hear directly from members and exchange ideas for serving members.
  
  
• CAMFT’s Winter Workshop Series “Thought Leaders in Mental Health” was held in Northern California January 20-22, 2012. CAMFT workshops provide a convenient opportunity to earn mandatory CEs.
  
  
• CAMFT exhibited at the Military Health System Conference in National Harbor, MD. CAMFT markets CounselingCalifornia.com as a referral source at consumer events.
  
  
• Board members gave 1 presentation for the Master Lecture Series at California Southern University. Presentations to schools are an effective way to engage the next generation of CAMFT members.
  
  
• Staff coordinated 1 “Ask the Expert” article that will run in the February issue of Sacramento Parent, 1 “Ask the Expert” article that will appear in the March edition of Parenting OC, and 1 interview with the Bay Area News Group. Articles by or featuring MFTs educate potential clients about the services and scope of knowledge of MFTs.
  
  
• The CAMFT Board of Directors met on January 21-22 in Sacramento. View highlights from the Board of Directors meeting. The Board will meet again March 9-10, 2012 in Washington, DC.
  
  
• The Finance Committee, PAC Committee, Annual Conference Planning Committee, and Clinical Editorial Sub-Committee met. If you are interested in serving on a Committee, please send a cover letter indicating the committee in which you are interested along with your resume to CAMFT at 7901 Raytheon Road, San Diego, CA 92111 by April 15, 2012. Committee appointments are made by the President of the Board of Directors. Click here for a list of the Committees.
  
  

Tell your therapist friends that they can enjoy these same benefits by
joining our dynamic and influential organization!