FINAL RULE ON GRADUATE STUDENT LOANS EXPECTED SOON

Last month, CAMFT submitted formal public comments opposing the U.S. Department of Education's proposed rule to limit federal graduate student loans for new MFT graduate students beginning July 1, 2026.  

We believe this proposal would create significant barriers for students pursuing the graduate degrees necessary to obtain MFT licensure, further restricting already limited access to mental health care for Californians.  

In addition to our independent comment letter, we collaborated with other mental health professional associations in submitting a joint coalition letter to reinforce these concerns. We are closely monitoring the Department's actions and will update our members when the final rule is released. 

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RESPONSE TO RECENT SCOTUS RULING 

CAMFT aligns with American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Psychological Association and American Counseling Association in sharing our disappointment and deep concern for the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could overturn Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy. 

We are profoundly unsettled by the court's position, and CAMFT continues to support evidenced based care. 

While this ruling is deeply disappointing, it does not immediately impact the standard of care in California or California's prohibition on conversion therapy. 

See our statements supporting the LGBTQAI+ community here. We will continue to keep members apprised of any developments. 

CAMFT-BACKED BILL TO INCREASE MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR MFTS

On March 25, Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced bipartisan legislation (S.4202), known as the Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act, to support mental health providers and strengthen access to mental health care services.  

This Act would increase Medicare reimbursement rates for MFTs, MHCs and CSWs from 75 percent to 85 percent of the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) amount for covered mental health services. A companion bill (H.R. 8081 ) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.).  

CAMFT and other members of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition (MMHWC) have endorsed this legislation to improve pay equity and ensure the long-term sustainability of Medicare’s mental health program. We will provide members with information about how to support this critical legislation in the coming weeks. 

REGULATORY UPDATE: TRANSITION TO NATIONAL EXAM

The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) has entered the regulatory phase of transitioning to the AMFTRB National Exam as the clinical licensure exam for California.   

A proposed regulation package is expected to be shared at the May BBS Board meeting. A more precise implementation timeline is anticipated at that meeting, with acknowledgement that the transition will occur later than the previously anticipated January 2027 date. 

CAMFT is actively engaged in the process and will continue to provide updates on the transition timeline. We have developed a new member resource, MFT License Portability: National Exam FAQs, to help you navigate this change. We’ve also partnered with BBS staff and AMFTRB to ensure accurate and up-to-date information. 

NEW BBS ADVERTISING REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE APRIL 1^ST

The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) has updated its advertising regulations, effective April 1, 2026. The regulations apply to licensees, registrants, and trainees. Among the key changes in its regulations, the term “full name” is now clarified to mean the individual’s first name and last name as filed with the Board. Licensees and registrants may also use a nickname or former legal name when advertising their services. 

For more information on these changes, including examples of acceptable and unacceptable advertising content, refer to the BBS’s “Licensee and Registrant Advertising Requirements” factsheet and FAQs. 

BBS CLARIFICATION REGARDING MFT TRAINEE SUPERVISION WEEKS 

The BBS has received a number of questions recently regarding whether pre-licensed MFTs can count weeks of supervision completed while they were MFT trainees towards the 104 weeks of supervision required for MFT licensure.  

The BBS has confirmed that weeks of supervision completed by pre-licensed MFTs during their MFT trainee experience can count towards the required 104 weeks of supervision.  

However, the BBS notes that MFT applicants are only permitted to count 1,300 hours of experience, 750 of which can be counseling and supervision hours, obtained during grad school towards licensure, and any weeks of supervision completed after the MFT trainee has reached this limit would not count towards the required 104 weeks of supervision. 

CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED CODE OF ETHICS

The CAMFT Board of Directors recently approved revisions to the CAMFT Code of Ethics, specifically addressing the use of technology, telehealth, and artificial intelligence. Members are encouraged to review the changes in the revised CAMFT Code of Ethics to ensure compliance and stay informed on current ethical standards, as well as the BBS Statutes and Regulations book when studying for the exams. A special thanks to CAMFT’s Code of Ethics committee and our members who provided input on this important topic. 

Don’t miss our upcoming webinar “Accountability Remains Human: CAMFT’s Ethics Standards for Telehealth, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)” on April 10, 2026.  This presentation walks through the approved updates to Section 6 of the CAMFT Code of Ethics, which addresses Telehealth, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).  

LEARN MORE & REGISTER 

ADVOCACY DAY 2026 WAS A SUCCESS!

CAMFT’s 2026 Advocacy Day brought more than 40 engaged members to Sacramento on March 12 to advocate for the profession. Throughout the day, participants held over 50 meetings with legislators and their staff, focusing on the importance of SB 903 (Mental Health Professionals: Artificial Intelligence) and reinforcing the MFT scope of practice. These conversations highlighted the essential role Marriage and Family Therapists play in strengthening California’s behavioral health system and ensured our presence was felt at the Capitol. 

 We are grateful to all who participated and helped make this day such a success. Your commitment to advocacy continues to drive meaningful change for the profession and the clients we serve.  

Stay tuned, Advocacy Day 2027 is already in the works and promises to be even bigger and better! 

ALL PROPOSED BYLAWS WERE OFFICIALLY APPROVED

CAMFT is pleased to share that our updated bylaws were officially approved by the membership in March. This achievement reflects years of thoughtful review, collaboration, and dedication to ensuring our governance continues to support the needs of our members and the profession. 

We extend our sincere thanks to the Bylaws Committee and the Policies Task Force for their hard work, careful consideration, and commitment throughout this process. 

Members who would like to review the newly approved bylaws can access them here.

UPCOMING LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM FOR MFTS

The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) has announced the second application cycle for its Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program. This opportunity is designed for behavioral health professionals who are willing to commit to serving 2-4 years in an eligible Medi-Cal safety net setting. Eligible LMFTs and AMFTs may receive up to $180,000 in loan repayment assistance!  

The first application cycle closed in 2025 with more than 5,200 applications submitted. $159,234,457 was awarded across 1,899 awardees! Make sure to bookmark your calendar so you don’t miss this valuable opportunity to help reduce your student debt! Applications open May 1, 2026 and close May 29, 2026. 

To see a list of all state and federal financial assistance programs we’re keeping an eye on, you can visit this page.  

ATTEND BBS BOARD MEETINGS

We at CAMFT encourage all members to attend BBS Board and Committee meetings, either in person or virtually, to better understand upcoming changes to your licensure path, supervision requirements, workforce development, etc. Click here to see upcoming meetings in 2026.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BBS NEWSLETTER 

The BBS Newsletter is your go-to source for the latest updates, announcements, and insights directly from the heart of the Board of Behavioral Sciences. General information topics include updates involving newsletters, licensing, examination, renewal, regulation/legislation, agenda notices, materials, and minutes, etc. To subscribe, please click here.

CONGRATULATIONS NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS!

We're pleased to announce the winners of the 2026–2027 Board of Directors election: 

• President-Elect: Stephen Odom 
• Chief Financial Officer: Danah Williams 
• Clinical Directors-at-Large: Tara D’Orazio, Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, Anna Paganelli 

The recently elected Board Members will begin service on June 1, 2026 with the following Board Members continuing their terms: 

• President: Vic Campbell 
• Past President: Ava Phillips 
• Secretary: Jonathan W. Thompson, II 
• Clinical Directors-at-Large: Nancy Brison-Moll, Hamaseh Kianfar, Robin Sandoval 
• Pre-licensed Director-at-Large: Dae’Jah Foster 

We thank the CAMFT Nominating Committee: Shannon Hanrahan, Bob Casanova, Lisa Cox-Romain, Dean Lobovits, and Laura Strom for their work this election cycle.

NEW ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS FOR MFTS, REGISTRANTS, AND TRAINEES:
What you need to know where to go for the latest advertising requirements from the BBS

The Board of Behavioral Sciences has officially released updated advertising requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs) and MFT Trainees, with all new regulations now in effect as of April 1st, 2026. This is a great opportunity for practitioners to align their outreach and marketing practices with the most current professional standards. The updated guidelines reflect the Board of Behavioral Sciences’ continued commitment to ensuring ethical, transparent, and accurate representation of services within our field.  

Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines is essential 

Compliance is not only a professional responsibility, but it also safeguards your license and the integrity of your practice. Taking time now to review the full requirements will save you a possible warning or formal action taken down the road. 

Quick action steps: 

1. Visit the Board of Behavioral Sciences’ official Advertising Fact Sheet and review the full advertising guidelines in their entirety. Their Advertising Fact Sheet PDF has the requirements as well as examples and FAQs: Advertising Requirements Fact Sheet and FAQs.
2. Audit your current advertising materials: website, social media, business cards, and any promotional content, etc., against the new requirements. 
3. Direct any specific questions about the regulations to the Board of Behavioral Sciences for official clarification.

Practitioners are strongly encouraged to visit the BBS official Advertising Fact Sheet for a comprehensive breakdown of the new advertising standards. The Fact Sheet serves as the definitive resource for the complete regulatory language, FAQs, and any supplemental guidance issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. 

WE WANT YOU! JOIN A CAMFT COMMITTEE

We’re calling on dedicated individuals like you to help shape the future of CAMFT. With nearly 20 committees to choose from—ranging from the Political Action Committee to the Pre-Licensed Committee—there’s a place for everyone to make an impact, regardless of your skillset or availability. 

Click here to learn more about all our open committees. Applications are due by April 15, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved! 

WRITE AN ARTICLE FOR ‘THE THERAPIST’ MAGAZINE!     

We're always looking for fresh ideas from MFTs who want to share their clinical know-how! We’d love to hear your thoughtful pitches for articles on topics that reflect modern practices. Here are a few examples of great topics:   

• Somatic Healing and Mind/Body Connection
• Therapists Working in Schools
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Obsessive Compulsion Disorder and How to Treat It - Modern Take
• Eating Disorders and Body Image in our Modern World
• Conscious Uncoupling
• Neuroscience and Mindfulness
• Attachment Psychology and Attachment - Informed Therapy
• Stress Reduction for Parents and Families
• Mood, Food and the Brain
• Loneliness and Older Adults
• Internal Family Systems
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Have an idea you’re ready to share? Check out our Editorial Guidelines and get ready to create your submission! 

CAMFT ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS NEXT MONTH! 

It's almost here! CAMFT's 2026 Annual Conference is happening on May 1 - 2, 2026 in sunny San Diego , at the Town and Country Resort.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to network with MFTs from throughout the state, earn up to 21 CEs, and learn from expert speakers on topics such as trauma, infidelity, addictions, and more!  Learn More and Register Today! Other workshop topics range from Ellyn Bader discussing the topic of infidelity to Adi Jaffee discussing the topic of addiction. We have valuable insights for everyone! Don’t miss out – be sure to register before it’s too late.  

Already Registered?  No problem! 
View the agenda here and build your schedule. You can update your registration with the following instructions:  

• Log into your CAMFT.org account.
• Click on Member's Only > My Registration > View Registration for CAMFT Annual Conference 2026.
• From there, add the Sessions or Lunch Option you want and click save. 
• If a lunch is chosen, you will be directed to the payment page.  

At the end of the conference, you will receive an email with instructions for receiving your CEs and certificate. 

Keep an eye on CAMFT's 2026 Annual Conference for the most updated information.  

ONLINE WEBINAR

Law and Ethics: Accountability Remains Human: CAMFT’s Ethics Standards for Telehealth, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Presenters: Luke Martin, Esq, and Curt Widhalm, LMFT

Date: April 10, 2026

Time: 9 am – 12 pm PST 

This presentation walks through the approved updates to Section 6 of the CAMFT Code of Ethics, which addresses Telehealth, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It explains what the changes mean in practice and how they guide therapists in responsibly using digital tools and AI across clinical work, supervision, documentation, practice management, education, and public-facing activities. The presentation also highlights how the revisions ensure that technological innovation does not diminish therapist accountability, reinforce the importance of professional judgment, and establish clear ethical guardrails for competence, informed consent, confidentiality, disclosures, and legal compliance. Collectively, these updates provide a forward-looking yet grounded ethical framework that supports responsible adoption of emerging technologies while safeguarding client welfare and the integrity of the profession. 

Learn more and register today! 

Can't attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience.

NEW RECORDINGS ADDED! 

• State of the Profession 
• Current Topics in Eating Disorders: GLP-1s and Co-Occurring Trauma  
• Navigating Gray Areas with Confidence: A Helpful Overview of Dual Relationships
• L&E: Updates and Resources for Medi-Cal Providers 
• Free Webinar: Working with Individuals and Families Impacted by ICE Raids/Deportation
• Marketing 101: A Guided Tour through CAMFT's Member Marketing Toolkit (Free for Members)   
• Law & Ethics Mastering Mandated Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting  
• What You DON'T Know About Insurance and Documentation–But Should! 
• Law and Ethics - Why Should I Care About the CAMFT Code of Ethics?  

Be sure to visit the Pre-Licensed Corner of our website for up-to-date newsletters, guides, resources, and so much more – created just for you. 

READ THE LATEST EDITION OF CAMFT'S PRE-LICENSED NEWSLETTER

We’re excited to share the March 2026 Edition of the Pre-Licensed Newsletter, written and compiled from our Pre-Licensed Committee. This edition focuses on articles about self care and burnout, and includes suggestions for career paths with an MFT degree. Check it out now! 

Alex Vue, one of CAMFT’s amazing Pre-licensed Committee members, explores what self-care means when it extends to include the monetary portion of our lives. Aa a MFT trainee, Alex takes a reflective look at the struggle to balance the foundations of what therapy teaches like boundaries and purposeful rest with the reality of needing to provide for real world necessities and more importantly how to potentially find a balance and support. To read more on his article in the latest edition of the Pre-Licensed Newsletter, Self-Care is Financial Care, click here.  

Inspired by what you see in the Pre-licensed Newsletter? Apply to join the Pre-licensed Committee by clicking here. Applications are due by April 15, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved! 

PARTICIPATE IN AI SURVEY BY APRIL 20^TH

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the mental health field, and your perspective and experience matters.

This brief survey asks you to share how AI is being used in practice, which platforms and tasks are most common, your views on the risks and benefits of AI in the profession, and what resources would most support your use of AI. Your input will help guide the work of the AI in Education & Mental Health Consortium, a multidisciplinary group focused on sharing best practices for AI use in the field. 

The survey is open now through April 20^th. CAMFT strongly encourages all members to participate. 

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.

On February 28, the Orange County chapter, in collaboration with the Orange County MFT Consortium, held its Annual MFT Trainee and Associate Job Fair. This was the second year reviving the event after COVID, as the OC chapter has been working to rebuild relationships with MFT programs and clinical sites in the county. The event was hosted at a local university and secured sponsorships to keep it accessible while still providing goodies and snacks. 
Attendance increased significantly from the previous year. There were just over 40 placement and resource organizations (up from less than 30 in 2025) and about 300 registrants (up from approximately 175 in 2025). The event was attended by representatives of the BBS, CALPCC, and CAMFT staff attorney Alain Montgomery, Esq. Many attendees reported positive experiences and connections with future placement sites and employers. The OC chapter looks forward to planning the 2027 fair. They also continue to offer events to support Pre-Licensed therapists in Orange County and beyond. 

DISCOVER, CONNECT, BELONG—MEET YOUR CHAPTER AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 

Fourteen Chapters from across the state will be featured at CAMFT’s Annual Conference, taking place at the Town and Country in San Diego, on May 1-2. 

If you’re attending, be sure to explore local Chapters and expand your connections at the conference by meeting with your Chapter representatives on either Friday or Saturday. In addition to participating in conference sessions, representatives will be available at their tables during registration, breaks, and mealtimes, offering plenty of opportunities to meet and engage. 

Chapter Showcase Schedule:  

Friday, May 1 - East Bay, Inland Empire, Long Beach-South Bay, Marin County, Orange County, San Diego, and Santa Clara Valley  

Saturday, May 2 - Los Angeles, Redwood Empire, Sacramento Valley, San Diego North County, San Fernando Valley, Santa Barbara, and Sierra Foothills  

Another opportunity to connect with the State Board and Chapter Leaders is at the Conference Meet-and-Greet Social on April 30 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. This event is open to all registered attendees! Swing by the registration desk early to pick up your badge and head on out to Lookout Point to join us for a relaxing and welcoming event with our Leadership Team and Chapter Leaders. This is a great opportunity to connect face-to-face, ask questions, and build meaningful relationships before the main events begin. Whether you're new or returning, you'll gain insight, share ideas, and start forming the connections that make our community strong. 

ATTENTION CHAPTER MEMBERS: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS BENEFIT IN 2026!

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.

WELCOME NEW CEPA PROVIDERS 

• Katherine Nice
• Empower Community Care
• California Mental Health and Family Therapy Group, A Professional Corporation 
• Family Service Agency of Burbank
• California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) 
• Mckinley

.USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN CREATING CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES 

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.

SELF-ATTESTATION IS ACCEPTABLE FOR ATTENDANCE  

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).”  

If you have any questions or concerns, please email CEPA@camft.org. 

IT’S EASY TO BECOME A CAMFT-APPROVED PROVIDER 

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 4/30/26 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 

• Ramandeep Dhaliwal
• Carlos Laack
• Denisse Mendoza

NEW FAQ FOR CURRENT (AND ASPIRING) SUPERVISORS! 

The Board of Behavioral Sciences just released an exciting new resource: FAQs for Supervisors.  

This PDF serves as a quick answer guide for licensees who are supervising (or are preparing to supervise) an Associate Clinical Social Worker, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, MFT Trainee, or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. 

If you’re serious about taking your supervision to the next level, consider getting certified by CAMFT! Our Certified Supervisor Program (CSP) goes above and beyond the BBS Requirements for Supervision includes coursework, supervision, supervision consultation, and a consultation summary. While the program is open to all who qualify, CAMFT members get a special discount on the certification. Plus, we’ll list you in our Certified Supervisors directory to help pre-licensees find you.  

Check out our CSP program here! 

DID YOU CATCH OUR SUPERVISION WORKSHOP SERIES? 

Hey, supervisors! Did you know that you can watch FIVE workshops, totaling 12 CEs, right in our On-Demand Learning Library? Here’s what we have in store:  

• Supervision, How to Make it a Treat and Not a Trick (2 CEs)  
• Challenges in Supervision
Relationship Based Supervision Through the Lens of Attachment
• Guidance for Supervisors (2.5 CEs)
• Taking the Supervisory Relationship to the Next Level: Clinical Supervision in the Changing World (3 CEs)

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.  

CAMFT has partnered with Delta Dental to offer comprehensive dental coverage at competitive rates.

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