The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) has launched a new loan repayment program for behavioral health professionals who are willing to serve 2 to 4 years in an eligible Medi-Cal safety net setting. Behavioral health professionals eligible for this Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program may receive up to $240,000 in loan repayment. Licensed and associate MFTs are eligible for up to $180,000. The application cycle is open July 1 and closes on August 15, 2025.

An informational webinar hosted by HCAI will be held on July 9 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, and on July 10 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. 

There are also three federal loan repayment programs that are closing this month:

• Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program — in exchange for a full-time six-year service obligation at an approved site, eligible mental health professionals (including LMFTs) may receive a loan repayment up to $250,000. Applications are due by July 10^th.
• Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program — in exchange for a full-time three-year service obligation serving child and adolescent behavioral health care at an approved site, eligible mental health professionals (including LMFTs) may receive a loan repayment up to $100,000. Applications are due by July 17^th.
• Faculty Loan Repayment Program — in exchange for a full two-year service obligation at an eligible healh professions school, eligible mental health professionals (including LMFT and AMFTs) may receive a loan repayment up to $40,000. Applications are due by Jul 22^nd.

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

Don’t forget that effective July 1, 2025, licensees and registrants must provide all new clients a “Notice to Clients” that contains the following information: 

• The licensee or registrant’s full name as filed with the Board. 

• Their license or registration number. 

• The type of license or registration. 

• The expiration date of their license or registration number. 

This law change is part of Senate Bill (SB) 1024, which changed and clarified two important aspects of a person’s practice of psychotherapy and supervision. Refer to the Board of Behavioral Sciences’ (BBS) FAQs for more information: Display or License/Registration Requirements and Required Notice to Consumers and Clarification on Number of Supervisees per Supervisor.

The May/June issue of The Therapist magazine featured an overview of the ongoing proposed Bylaws and Ethics updates. The articles explains the rationale behind the proposed changes, share key highlights from committee discussions, and invite member feedback through a survey to keep members engaged in the process. Please provide your input now by completing the Bylaws Survey and the Ethics Survey.  

SUPPORTING THERAPISTS THROUGH EXECUTIVE ORDERS 

CAMFT understands that recent executive orders issued by President Trump – and the resulting federal directives – have raised concerns for Marriage and Family Therapists and the communities they serve. To support our members during this time, we’ve created a dedicated Executive Order Impact Landing Page.

This resource hub offers up-to-date information about the potential implications of these directives and invites you to share your personal or professional experiences with their impact. Your stories help us tailor resources and advocacy efforts to better serve the MFT community.

We also encourage you to share your experience by participating in our Executive Orders Impact Survey.

CAMFT remains dedicated to promoting mental health, relational well-being, and emotional safety, especially in moments of fear and instability. We recognize the pain, anxiety, and trauma many communities are experiencing in the wake of recent events that are a result of administrative orders or directives.   

• On August 8, CAMFT will host a free webinar titled Working with Individuals and Families Impacted by ICE Raids/Deportation. This webinar seeks to provide resources to support you as you support your patients. Please click here to register or for more information.    

• We also join those national organizations in expressing deep concern regarding the Administration’s order to eliminate LGBTQ+ youth specialized services within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (“988 Lifeline”) by July 17, 2025. This directive runs counter to the bipartisan, comprehensive approach applied when establishing the 988 Lifeline. We recognize the country is facing a record-high suicide and suicide attempt rates, and all people deserve access to culturally competent life-saving services.  You can find the letter to congress here. 

• CAMFT is reviewing the recently passed, nearly 900 page “mega” bill that was signed into law on July 4^th and how burdensome requirements as well as funding cuts will impact access to mental healthcare. CAMFT ‘s review will also include an analysis of changes to Medicare, Medi-Cal, and the impact on both individuals and rural health clinics. CAMFT joined the Mental Health Workforce Coalition in sending a letter to the U.S. Senate, expressing concerns over proposed cuts to Medicaid. CAMFT will continue to advocate for funding to replace program cuts that support mental healthcare and the mental healthcare workforce for our communities. 

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has announced the release of its final funding round through Proposition 1’s Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 2: Unmet Needs Request for Applications (RFA). Awards for the Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready was announced in May 2025 and allocated $3.3 billion to 124 projects across 42 counties, supporting 5,077 residential beds and 21,882 outpatient slots. 

Through this Round 2 RFA, DHCS will continue to award more than $800 million statewide to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate real estate assets in behavioral health settings that expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services. DHCS is specifically aiming to distribute grant funds to rural and remote communities with the greatest unmet needs and insufficient behavioral health infrastructure. The Bond BHCIP Round 2 Application Portal is open until October 28, 2025.  

Click here to see if your entity is qualified, and to learn how to apply. This funding is available to eligible applicants including counties, cities, tribal entities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations. 

CAMFT encourages all members to attend BBS Board and Committee meetings to better understand upcoming changes to your licensure path, supervision requirements, workforce development, etc. Virtual attendance is also an option. To see upcoming meetings in 2025, click here. 

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. 

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

CAMFT’S Board of Directors convened on June 7-8 in Carlsbad to discuss strategic plan progress, review financial statements, and approve an AI Workgroup Taskforce. Read the full Board Highlights here.  

BECOME A RED CROSS MENTAL HEALTH VOLUNTEER 

 Mental Health Professionals (MHP) who desire to serve their communities in times of disaster or crisis are urged to join their local American Red Cross Chapter. With its effective infrastructure and resources, the Red Cross is at the forefront of disaster response education and training. The Red Cross actively recruits, trains, and deploys mental health professionals to provide support services to disaster survivors and workers across the stages of preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.  

The American Red Cross Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) is client-facing throughout the entire disaster cycle of preparedness, response and recovery. DCS response provides relief when disasters strike for those affected by residential fires, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, transportation accidents, terrorist attacks, mudslides and other man-made and natural disasters 24 hours a day, 365 days-a-year (over 70,000 disasters in the US each year). All American Red Cross assistance is free. Disaster Cycle Services activities include casework, health services, mental health, logistics, sheltering, feeding, communications, governmental liaison, community partners, etc. Disaster Action Teams (DAT) are the staff and volunteers who actually respond to the event. Red Cross Disaster Mental Health (DMH) volunteers support DAT activities and may be deployed with the Team.  

Red Cross DMH volunteers often experience great collegiality and satisfaction in being able to use their mental health skills in service to the public. The Red Cross is a pioneer in emphasizing the importance of self-care and caring for its own so DMH volunteers have a prominent role in supporting the mental health resiliency of volunteers and staff who respond to disasters.  

Red Cross DMH volunteers in California are mental health professionals including Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Associate Marriage and Family Therapists, graduate level Marriage and Family Therapist Trainees, and Retired Marriage and Family Therapists.  

While personnel in mental health disciplines who do not meet the current eligibility requirements cannot participate in Red Cross Disaster Mental Health activity, they are encouraged to serve as volunteer providers of other client-oriented Red Cross services such as client casework services and recovery, working in shelters, and mass feeding. These vital disaster services require excellent people skills and working in close collaboration with disaster health and mental health service systems.  

To become an American Red Cross volunteer:  

• Go to www.redcross.org and select “Your Local Red Cross” at the very top of the page.

• At your chapter website select “Volunteer” to create an account in Volunteer Connection.  

• Take the required free Red Cross on-line or in-person trainings.  

For more educational resources on crisis response, click here.

We are pleased to recognize this year’s Scholarship and Grant Recipients and Honors and Award Winners and Runners-Up — a group of outstanding individuals who embody service, leadership, and dedication to the field of marriage and family therapy.  

Learn more about their inspiring journeys and accomplishments here. 

Applications for our 2026 scholarships and awards are now open! Learn more about our scholarships and grant here. Don’t forget, you can only apply for one! 

GET TO KNOW: THE CLINTON E. PHILLIPS SCHOLARSHIP!

This month's spotlight is on the Clinton E. Phillips Scholarship!

This $4,000 CAMFT scholarship honors Clinton E. Phillips, Ph.D., who pioneered the application of family systems theory and the initiation of family therapy at the American Institute of Family Relations.  

In 1971, Dr. Phillips co-founded the California Family Study Center (CFSC) as the only freestanding graduate program. in 1992, it was renamed Phillips Graduate University in his honor. in Dr. Phillips' honor. Since its inception, the university’s Counseling Center has helped over 30,000 families improve their well-being and daily functioning. 

Do you share Clinton E. Phillips's vision and passion for family therapy? If so, this scholarship could be a good match for you! Scholarship applications for 2026 are now open, and remember: you can only apply for one that you feel best suits your career interests.  

If you're pursuing advanced training in marriage and family therapy and are in need of financial aid, we invite you to learn more about our scholarships here. 

*Deadline to Apply: November 7, 2025. 

July 18, 2025 | 11:00 am | (0 CE Hours)

You're highly trained at helping people achieve mental wellness — but do you know how to manage the business side of working as a professional therapist? 

Many of our members have asked for help with this often-neglected part of their career. That's why we partnered with EMC Communications to bring you a members-only Marketing Toolkit, created just for therapists like you!  

To walk you through this brand-new resource, we're hosting a special webinar with EMC Communications to guide you step-by-step through the toolkit. You'll learn marketing essentials like how to build your brand, how to create visuals on your website that reflect your unique approach to therapy, and best practices for social media promotion. Come prepared with questions — there will be time for a brief Q&A. 

Members, you can register for FREE here.

SUBSTANCE MISUSE IN OLDER ADULTS: TRENDS, CHALLENGES, AND SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVED CARE
JULY 10, 2025
9:00 am-10:00 am
(1CE) 

As part of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition's webinar series, the Coalition and NBCC in collaboration with the E4 Center, have been offering informative sessions for providers on addressing the clinical needs of older adults with mental health conditions. The next free webinar is "Substance Misuse in Older Adults: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions for Improved Care" on July 10 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM PT. 

In 2024, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists officially became Medicare Part B providers. Over the last year, as part of our overall Medicare webinar implementation series, NBCC and the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition—in collaboration with the E4 Center—have been offering providers informative webinars on addressing the clinical mental health needs of older adults.  

Join our expert presenter, Dr. Frederic C. Blow, as he discusses the unique challenges older adults face in relation to substance use and the critical need for tailored prevention and treatment strategies. He will also explore the evolving landscape of care, including the impact of expanded Medicare reimbursement for mental health services and the pressing shortage of trained professionals to meet this demand.  

This is an opportunity for mental health and other clinicians, addiction professionals, aging services providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to gain increased knowledge of the nature and extent of alcohol and other drug use among older adults as well as appropriate tools and strategies for evidenced-based, motivational brief intervention approaches. 

After this webinar, participants will be able to: 

• describe current trends and risk factors driving substance misuse among older adults, including the impact of social and health-related challenges. 

• recognize the unique risks and complications of substance use in older adults, particularly in the context of mental health and cognitive decline. 

• apply validated screening tools to identify alcohol and drug misuse in older populations and guide early intervention. 

• implement evidence-based motivational strategies and brief interventions tailored to the needs of older adults in clinical settings. 

  Register for this free webinar today! 

  Did you miss previous Medicare webinars? You can watch the recorded sessions here.  

Law and Ethics: Working with Minor Clients: Prepare for Success and Avoid the Pitfalls
September 19, 2025
9:00am-12:00pm
(3CEs)  

Working with minors requires an understanding of the laws and ethical standards that pertain to minor consent and the authority that minors, and/or others, have over the minor’s clinical information. Additionally, working with minors may involve the need to interact and share information with third parties. During this three (3) hour presentation, CAMFT Staff Attorney Alain Montgomery will review California minor consent laws and common issues related to the confidentiality of the minor’s healthcare information. 

Learn more and register now! 

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

Law and Ethics: Updates and Resources for Medi-Cal Providers
November 14, 2025
9:00 am-12:00 pm
(3CEs) 

California’s Medi-Cal system is complex and ever-changing. During this three-hour presentation, CAMFT Staff Attorney, Sara Jasper, will provide an overview of the Medi-Cal Behavioral Health system, including information about CalAIM and BH-Connect. Ms. Jasper will review Medi-Cal’s requirements for telehealth services, provider addresses and how providers who offer “remote-only” services can apply for an exemption from Medi-Cal’s place of business requirements. Ms. Jasper will offer practice tips and resources Medi-Cal providers may use to strengthen their recordkeeping practices in anticipation of audits. Finally, Ms. Jasper will offer general resources to support providers as they navigate the Medi-Cal system, including resources for those providing care to dual eligible patients and caregivers. 

Learn more and register now! 

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

NEW RECORDINGS ADDED! 

• Law & Ethics Mastering Mandated Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse
• Providing Disaster Mental Health Response in Aftermath of SoCal Firestorms 
• What You DON'T Know About Insurance and Documentation–But Should!
• Law and Ethics - Why Should I Care About the CAMFT Code of Ethics?

READ THE SUMMER PRE-LICENSED NEWSLETTER! 

We’ve got lots of great updates and resources just for pre-licensees! Catch up on the latest updates from the BBS, read articles on how to navigate the path to licensure, learn about the latest loan repayment programs to help you manage the costs of education, and more. You can read it all right here.   

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.  

JOIN A LOCAL CAMFT CHAPTER

CAMFT has 24 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.

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.

WELCOME NEW CEPA PROVIDERS

• Pro-Act, Inc  
• Inclusive Counseling, LLC  
• Adaptive Healing  
• Attune-In    
• LAUSD - Student Support and Attendance Services (SSAS)    
• Run Walk Talk

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 7/31/2025 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 

• Kent Toussaint
• Leah C. Berman
• Zachary Kasow
• Blanca Lugo

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 UPDATES TO THE CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR PROGRAM!   

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 click on the area for your photo, and upload your headshot! This is a GREAT way to personalize your listing!  

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. 

• Supervision, How to Make it a Treat and Not a Trick (2 CEs) 

• Challenges in Supervision (2 CEs) 

• Relationship-Based Supervision Through the Lens of Attachment (2.5 CEs) 

• 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. 

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS FOR THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 EDITION OF THE THERAPIST
The deadline to submit an article is August 1, 2025. More Information.

DISPLAY AD ORDERS FOR THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 EDITION EDITION OF THE THERAPIST
Place your display ad order by August 1, 2025. More Information.  

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) 

 

CAMFT offers a special negotiated discount with ADP—the leading provider of payroll, human resources and benefits.

Read More