AUGUST 2020 E-NEWSLETTER

Dear Members,

My theme for this month's column is resilience. I continue to be inspired when reviewing the results of CAMFT’s recent COVID-19 survey, and I want to share more with you. We had a total of 2,288 responses to this survey. I want to thank every member who took the time to participate.

Two thirds, or 66%, of survey respondents transitioned to telehealth in March in less than 7 days, while another 23% took 8-15 days. Almost 90% of respondents took less than half a month to transition practices to telehealth!

The transition to telehealth in general went relatively smoothly. 39% reported the transition was very easy with no major problems to report, and 40% responded that it was an adjustment, but doable. Only 4% said that the transition was very difficult.

These data points suggest that CAMFT members dealt with the transition to telehealth relatively well. I find this incredibly comforting given how stressful that time period in March was for all of us.

We asked respondents to share the positive impacts, if any, that switching to telehealth had on the patient-provider relationship. I found those responses fascinating. There were thousands of comments—here are just a few of the responses:

• Flexibility of scheduling (no travel time and increased availability for both patients and providers)
• Increased comfort/disclosures by patients when they are in their own environment
• Fewer cancellations
• A glimpse into patients’ personal spaces, which is impossible with therapy in the office
• Reduced barriers to access
• Therapist is less stressed without going into the office and dealing with cleaning protocols or worrying about either patient/provider getting sick.

We did ask about the negative impacts of telehealth on the patient-provider relationship as well. Here are some of the responses:

• Technical glitches can be a distraction
• Difficult to navigate nonverbal cues
• Distractions from home—pets, kids, gardeners, etc. (for both parties)
• Eye strain with video telehealth
• Challenges working with and engaging children / adolescents
• Harder to develop rapport with new clients.

These responses tell me that our members, despite the hardships of this time, are resilient and committed. The results of this survey are very reassuring to me. I see how adaptable CAMFT members are in an age of unprecedented anxiety. This gives me great hope as we continue in this challenging period of COVID-19.

And as we look forward, I want to encourage you to check out our newly launched Virtual Experience, a flexible learning program offering a combination of on-demand recordings and live presentations beginning August 21^st. Among other important offerings, you’ll find workshops relevant to our changing social landscape, including important discussions regarding racial and systemic injustice and cultural sensitivity. To learn how you can create your own learning schedule with over 50 hours of educational and Law and Ethics content click here. 

Wishing everyone health, wellness, and resilience during this time,

Nabil El-Ghoroury, Ph.D., CAE
Executive Director
nel-ghoroury@camft.org | Twitter: @drnabil

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 nearly $15,000 every year by offering three 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)