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Email : infocenter@camft.org
Phone : (858) 292-2638
Dear Members,
As we round out 2025, I’m reminded of how much we’ve achieved together this year. A major focus of our strategic plan is improving the resources and support you rely on – and this year, that work truly took off!
We kicked off the year with the launch of the Marketing Toolkit for Marriage and Family Therapists, a new member resource packed with essentials like building and optimizing a website, creating SEO-friendly content, and crafting effective messaging to attract your ideal clients. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, now’s a great time! We offered a free summer webinar to walk you through it, with another live session already in the works for next year.
We also introduced a Financial Assistance Programs for MFTs resource page, making it easier than ever to find local, state, or federal scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance programs designed to help ease your financial burden.
When wildfires swept through Los Angeles in January, we acted quickly to launch a dedicated wildfires resource page with opportunities for therapists to donate, volunteer, and support impacted communities. In response to your many questions about becoming crisis counselors, we also highlighted several high-quality training programs I encourage you to explore. Our free webinar, Providing Disaster Mental Health Response in Aftermath of SoCal Firestorms, is still available on demand if you’d like to revisit key strategies for providing your services to those in crisis.
CAMFT continues to advocate ways to allow for greater license portability for California MFTs. Throughout the year, we’ve worked with the Board of Behavioral Sciences to bring the national exam to California to further this goal. The biggest celebrated victory was in October, when Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 775 into law, paving the way for the BBS’s next steps toward adopting the exam. We’re excited at how quickly the BBS is making progress on this transition and look forward to learning (and sharing) more information as it becomes available.
As usual, we were happy to see many of you at our annual events, from Advocacy Day in Sacramento to the Annual Conference in San Francisco to the Fall Symposium in Long Beach. We’re already well on our way to planning the next Annual Conference, which will be held on May 1-2 in San Diego. Early pricing is open now until the end of January – don’t miss it!
With the new year on the horizon, I’m excited to share the 2026–2027 slate of candidates for our Board of Directors, as chosen by CAMFT’s Nominating Committee. Click here to meet the nominees for the President-Elect, Chief Financial Officer, and Clinical Director-at-Large positions.
I’m so thankful that thousands of MFTs across California entrust us as an advocate and a resource for the marriage and family therapy profession. You, our members, are the foundation of this organization. You bring fresh ideas by volunteering on committees, participating in chapters, attending our conferences, and showing up in so many other meaningful ways, and I am deeply grateful for your continued support.
With care, Joy Alafia, MBA, CAE Executive Director
IN THIS NEWSLETTER YOU WILL FIND:
The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) approved proposed regulatory language authorizing the use of the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) Marital and Family Therapy National Examination (AMFTRB National Exam) for LMFT licensure in California. The BBS notes that “this change will replace the state-developed LMFT Clinical Examination, as the national exam is currently used in most U.S. jurisdictions. The transition represents a significant modernization of California’s licensing process and will support greater portability and consistency for LMFTs nationwide. However, a change of this scope requires careful coordination, detailed planning, and clear communication with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless implementation by January 1, 2027.”
We anticipate many questions from pre-licensees, supervisors, and educators as this transition moves forward. CAMFT will be working closely with the BBS as well as AMFTRB to ensure as smooth a transition as possible, and we’re currently assessing how best to provide necessary information to our members about this transition and will be formalizing a plan in the coming weeks.
In the interim, for information that we currently have available, see: FAQs on the BBS Board Vote to Transition to the MFT National Clinical Exam.
Below is the proposed timeline of transition put forward by the BBS:
Transition Plan: Adoption of the AMFTRB National Examination Implementation Deadline: January 1, 2027
MFTs and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors who opted out of Medicare in 2024, when MFTs and LPCCs became eligible Medicare providers, will be facing their first opt out renewal period in 2026 (since the opt-out auto-renewal cycle occurs every two years).
MFTs and LPCCs who wish to remain opted out of Medicare do not need to take any action.
Practitioners who changed their mind and wish to enroll as Medicare providers, however, must notify their Medicare Administrative Contractor by letter no later than 30 days before the opt-out auto renewal would occur. Those practitioners should begin the Medicare provider enrollment process within that 30-day timeframe as well.
Practitioners who live and work in California and wish to cancel their Medicare opt-out status should contact California’s MAC, Noridian Healthcare Solutions. Information about where to send opt-out cancellation letters can be found here: Mailing Addresses - JE Part B - Noridian
Practitioners who are uncertain when their opt-out status renews can visit the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s Provider Opt-Out Affidavit Look-Up Tool here: Provider Opt-Out Affidavits Look-up Tool | CMS Data to determine their opt-out renewal date. Providers can find that information by conducting a search using their names.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working to reduce the prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders for communities and populations who are disproportionately affected by these issues. As part of this effort, CDPH is proposing a new grant program to scale and uplift Community-Defined Evidence Based Practices (CDEPs).
CDEPs are proven practices that integrate culturally anchored interventions which reflect the values and experiences of the communities being served. MFTs and other behavioral health providers can incorporate these culturally relevant and community-based approaches into their delivery of psychotherapy to ensure the care provided is effective and meaningful to the population being served.
Grant funding for the program is set to begin July 2026.
We’ll be sure to keep our members informed of application dates and future training opportunities. In the meantime, check out our Financial Assistance Programs page for other grants available to organizations.
This past summer’s omnibus federal spending bill, H.R. 1, changed how federal graduate student loans are issued.
Under the new law, beginning on July 1, 2026, only a narrow list of fields such as medical doctors and lawyers will have unrestricted access to certain federal graduate student loans. Critical professions, including MFTs, were left off the list.
This change means future therapists will not have access to the same federal loans you may have relied on during your graduate program. While the coming limits will not affect anyone who currently has a federal graduate student loan, they will restrict who can become a therapist in the future.
CAMFT is actively working with national partners to push back against these changes through coordinated advocacy and grassroots action. Stay tuned for ways you can raise your voice and help protect financial pathways for health care providers, and help ensure timely access to care.
On November 12th President Trump signed legislation (H.R.5371 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress) that ended the 43-day government shutdown and funded the federal government through January 30th, 2026. The continuing resolution includes extensions for several health care provisions, including an extension for Medicare telehealth flexibilities.
This means the in-person requirements for telehealth have been lifted until January 31st, 2026. Until then, providers wanting to do telehealth with new patients do not have to meet with those patients in-person within the six months prior to establishing the telehealth relationship. Until January 31, 2026, providers can begin their relationships with Medicare patients via telehealth. Furthermore, any telehealth services provided during the shutdown will be covered and paid retroactively.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES BOARD CANDIDATES
Our Nominating Committee has chosen the slate of candidates to run for the Board of Directors. Click here to view the candidates.
WE’RE GOING DIGITAL!
We’re so excited to announce that our premier magazine, The Therapist, is moving to an enhanced, digital-only format in 2026!
This new format will contain all the same content you love about The Therapist print magazine, plus easier access to CE credits, live links that lead to up-to-date legislative and licensing news, and lots of other great new features.
Best of all, this change will save more than twelve million pages of magazine paper each year! That’s a win for both the environment and for our members. By going digital, we can redirect those resources toward what matters most: stronger advocacy, expanded member programs, and more free professional development webinars. Check out our Magazine Makeover webpage to find out more!
.HELP US BUILD A NEW RESOURCE HUB!
CAMFT is excited to announce the building of a new digital Resource Hub complete with helpful products and services at special CAMFT prices: a one-stop shop just for you, our members!
Before we launch, we want to hear from you! What tools, services, and resources would make your professional life easier and your business run more smoothly? Please take a few minutes to fill out this brief survey and your feedback will directly shape how we build the Resource Hub. Thanks in advance!
CAMFT BYLAWS UPDATE MOVES FORWARD TO MEMBER VOTE
Exciting news! The Board of Directors has approved the proposed revisions to the CAMFT Bylaws, as recommended by the CAMFT Bylaws Committee. We sincerely thank the Bylaws Committee for their dedication and thoughtful work on these updates, as well as our members for providing valuable feedback throughout the process. The CAMFT Bylaws outline how CAMFT operates and help ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. Clinical members will have the opportunity to vote on these amendments along with the Board of Directors’ elections in March 2026. Please keep an eye out for your ballot.
GO GREEN TO RECEIVE YOUR BALLOT ELECTRONICALLY
Our annual Board of Directors election and bylaws amendment vote are just around the corner! If you’d like to receive your ballot electronically instead of in the mail, (and receive membership communications like the Annual Business Meeting notice by email instead of paper postcard) you can learn how to Go Green here.
DONATE TO THE CAMFT POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
CAMFT has an aggressive legislative advocacy effort in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C., but no amount of advocacy or lobbying can be effective without legislators who understand our issues.
In order for us to protect, enhance, and move our profession forward, we need your help! By combining your contribution with thousands of other members, CAMFT’s state and federal PACs can actively support candidates who make our issues a priority. Please donate today!
Navigating Gray Areas with Confidence: A Helpful Overview of Dual Relationships, Coaching Considerations for Therapists, and Soliciting Reviews and Testimonials from Patients
Friday, February 6, 2026 9:00 am PST (3CEs)
Ever wonder why a lawyer’s favorite answer to just about any legal question is: “it depends”? Complex legal rules often create “gray area” scenarios which can be difficult to navigate without adequate guidance. In this three hour workshop, CAMFT staff attorney Bradley Muldrow, Esq. will provide helpful tips for navigating three law and ethics topics that are well known for encompassing multiple gray areas: dual relationships, coaching considerations for therapists, and soliciting reviews and testimonials from patients.
Learn more and register now!
Can’t attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for CAMFT's 2026 Annual Conference, happening on May 1 - 2, 2026 in sunny San Diego, CA! As a CAMFT member, you’re invited to take advantage of Early Access Registration available through January 31, 2026, and save $20 when you register early! Enjoy reduced pricing before rates increase and secure your spot at the event.
NEW RECORDINGS ADDED!
As we round the corner to the end of another semester, we are reminded of the looming question: Now What? Check out this article from the Pre-Licensed – Spring Edition 2025 by Hamaseh Kianfar answering one of our Pre-Licensee's biggest questions.
I JUST GRADUATED, NOW WHAT?
For many MFT students, graduation brings with it a sense of accomplishment, relief, and anxiety around what’s next. The road towards licensure can be daunting, yet exciting. In this two-part article, we will first explore the requirements and steps new graduates need to talk with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. The second part of this article, available in the Summer edition, will include what the experience has been like for a few graduates.
In the September/October 2018 issue of The Therapist, Ann Tran-Lien, JD, managing director of Legal Affairs, provided a step-by-step guide on the best way to tackle this exciting journey after receiving an MFT degree from an accredited institution.
If you want to count your hours between degree conferral and registration number gained, i could apply for your Associate Registration Number by completing and submitting to the BBS the Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Registration Application Packet located on the BBS website.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Registration Application Packet
As part of the Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Registration Packet, the BBS also requires applicants to obtain Live Scan Fingerprints. Please note that the Live Scan Fingerprints should not be done more than 60 days prior to when you submit your application.
Make sure you disclose any convictions of a felony or misdemeanor. It is recommended to verify that your supervisor’s license is valid by looking them up on Breeze.ca.gov. Include a 2x2 photograph of yourself, enclose the appropriate fee, include your transcript and degree program certification form (both should be in a sealed envelope). If needed, include a background statement.
JOIN A LOCAL CAMFT CHAPTER
CAMFT has 23 chapters throughout the state that offer local programs and networking opportunities for MFTs. You can find your local chapter here. Be sure to ask how they support pre-licensees!
PRE-LICENSE JOB SITES AND JOB OPENINGS
Use your membership login and password to get access to this directory that showcases job sites throughout California that pay Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and provide supervision for hours. Login to view.
LOOKING FOR SUPERVISION?
Check out the directory of CAMFT Certified Supervisors! Our CAMFT Certified Supervisors have gone above and beyond the BBS requirements for supervision to complete the advanced training. Find a CAMFT Certified Supervisor.
Ashley Green, LMFT, Past President, Redding Regional Chapter
When most of us think about our local CAMFT chapter, we often picture professional development, the CE trainings, networking opportunities, and resources that help us grow our careers. But for many of us, something even more meaningful happens along the way: friendships.
During my time serving as President of the Redding Regional Chapter of CAMFT from 2023-2024, and as Past President in 2025, I’ve seen firsthand how the chapter can bring together people who might never have met otherwise. What starts as a shared commitment to supporting our profession quickly turns into something deeper. Over countless board meetings, collaborative projects, chapter events, and even casual coffee chats, professional peers become trusted friends.
Some of my closest connections have come from working alongside incredible therapists on the RRC-CAMFT board. We’ve laughed through planning sessions, supported one another during personal and professional challenges, and celebrated milestones both in and outside of our practices. These relationships have been one of the most rewarding parts of my involvement. They are a reminder that leadership isn’t just about structure and strategy, but about the people who bring it all to life.
Local CAMFT chapters do far more than strengthen our clinical skills or advance our careers — they nurture connection, community, and a sense of belonging that is so needed in our field. In a profession that can sometimes feel isolated, having a network of colleagues who genuinely understand, support, and care for one another is invaluable.
If you’ve ever considered getting involved in your local chapter — whether by joining the board, attending a meeting, or volunteering for an event — I encourage you to do it. You might find that beyond the professional benefits; you’ll gain something even more lasting: true friendships that continue long after the meeting adjourns.
Written by Jonathan Flier; LMFT with contributions by Sahaja Douglas, Madeliene Seeley, Natalie Zimm, Karen Aguila, Leona Fallas, Pamela Payton
The Los Angeles Chapter of CAMFT is happy to share with you a very successful in-person event that has been a highlight of our chapter’s directive to feed the hearts as well as the minds of our psychotherapy community.
Since Covid, a majority of our chapter’s members primarily do therapy sessions online. Our Associates are often getting supervision sessions online, and our chapter leaders hold meetings online. The loss of in-person face-to-face contacts exacerbates burnout, leading to feelings of emptiness and depression. Our chapter’s monthly online workshops fulfilled our members’ intellectual needs, but chapter leaders recognized that it was not enough.
That understanding came to fruition throughout California’s CAMFT Chapters. They began to offer a wonderful diversity of fun in-person get-togethers. For examples of their offerings, take a look at the article I wrote in The Therapist July/August 2024.
This year’s LA-CAMFT ANNUAL AUGUST PICNIC enhanced the intention to deepen the sense of intimacy and connection within our community. Sahaja Douglas, Chair of the Meet-Up Committee, noted that the broader intention of the committee is to “foster community by providing an opportunity for mental health and related professionals to gather, connect, play, bond with, and support each other.” For this gathering, Sahaja and her committee decided to put bowls of food directly on the numerous picnic tables in the park to recreate the social closeness of the family table, sharing food while chatting, laughing and heartfelt empathy.
The meet ups were also an opportunity for members to meet and learn more about the chapter and invite them to take on various volunteer and leadership opportunities.
Other fun activities at the picnic were group games and a live jazz guitarist. To encourage deeper connections, discussion cards were scattered at each table to move the conversations to deeper levels of intimacy.
The Chapter board members addressed attendees with short presentations about upcoming LA-CAMFT in-person activities and leadership opportunities. The Event Sponsor also made a brief presentation. This was followed by a “raffle” of nearly a dozen prizes to lucky ticket holders.
An event of this size (nearly 80 participants registered and attended) was accomplished by the 15+ volunteers, who enjoyed the opportunity to provide services to the community by helping set up, keep things flowing, run games, check in attendees, and clean up. Photos of the event were taken by Pamela Payton and Madeliene Seeley.
Here is some of the feedback the meet-up committee received during and after the event.
“Favorite parts were sitting with other therapists going through reflection questions. Food was really good…great to be in community”
“…chill, low-key…hanging out with a bunch of creative down-to-earth folks…exciting games. Being a part of the planning committee was magical.”
“…having meaningful conversations with fellow therapist created a real sense of community.”
“Being on the planning committee made event special…allowed me to connect more deeply with colleagues I respect and appreciate”
It is the Los Angeles Chapter’s hope that all the CAMFT chapters will be inspired to provide many more in-person events while adding activities that move community connections beyond marketing our practices, to a felt sense of professional intimacy and closeness. This kind of emotional resourcing will enable us as therapists to move from burnout to fulfilled heart-centered healers.
ANOTHER BENEFIT FOR CHAPTER MEMBERS
CAMFT is offering chapter members a $5 discount on the 2025 Law and Ethics webinars. Take advantage of the discount and join our expert staff attorneys as they cover the essential topics MFTs need to know! Learn more.
CONSIDER JOINING A CHAPTER
CAMFT chapters offer exciting events in your local area that can enrich your practice with relevant continuing education workshops and networking opportunities. Click here to find your local chapter.
CAMFT MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL CHAPTER EVENTS ACROSS THE STATE
Don’t forget to click here throughout the year for a list of upcoming events throughout the State. Events are listed by Chapter/Region.
The CEPA Committee has approved adding language to the Acknowledgement and Agreement page regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creating continuing education courses.
The added language states that CAMFT-Approved CE Providers acknowledge that the majority of their courses' content is based on professional personal experience, and if AI tools were used, those tools were supplemental to the creation of course content. They also acknowledge that appropriate citations were used, especially if the bulk of the AI "generated" material on a topic is primarily sourced from, or overly similar to, material from another CE provider or similar entity. Finally, Providers will have to acknowledge that if they used AI in preparing courses, that they, and no one else, are responsible for the accuracy of the material, especially in regard to legal updates in the field.
The CEPA Committee has approved that self-attestation is an acceptable form of recording a participant's record of attendance. An example of self-attestation would be a box on the evaluation that states, “By checking this box, I attest that I attended (name of workshop) on (date).”
Have you ever thought about sharing your knowledge and skill while supplementing your income? Now is the perfect time to become a CAMFT-Approved Continuing Education Provider! APPLY TODAY!
Apply before 12/31/25 and use the code CEPACHEER when calling in your payment to get 25% off the Initial Application Fee. Get the details.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISORS
WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR STATUS AS A CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR!
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 upload your headshot. This is a GREAT way to personalize your listing!
LET CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES KNOW THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO BE A CONSULTANT
The Directory lets those interested in becoming a Certified Supervisor know who is willing to be a consultant.
It’s easy! Simply log in and navigate to the area under Certified Supervisor Program. Click on “Willing to be a Consultant for a Certified Supervisor Applicant.” Candidates can sort the list by those who are willing, so it may increase your visibility!
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 helpful cheat sheet to guide your Case Summary writing, CLICK HERE.
Please remember that Consultants must review and approve the Case Summary before the Verification of Completion application goes to the Committee.
We are thrilled to introduce five NEW Supervision Workshops, totaling 12 CEs! Discover them all in our On-Demand Learning Library.
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.
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