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Email : infocenter@camft.org
Phone : (858) 292-2638
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Dear Members,
Our Annual Conference last weekend was a tremendous success, and I hope you had the opportunity to be part of it!
We were inspired by our opening keynote speaker, Dr. Resmaa Menakem, who introduced us to the powerful practice of Somatic Abolitionism — an embodied, living approach to anti-racist practice and cultural building.
We closed the conference with a moving keynote from Patric Gagne, bestselling author of Sociopath, who challenged us to rethink sociopathy and offered a message of hope about building a life of love and connection.
In between these thought-provoking sessions, we participated in dozens of dynamic workshops and discovered wonderful resources in the Exhibit Hall. We also held the Annual Business Meeting with our dedicated members, where I shared a look back at all the amazing progress we’ve made at CAMFT over the last year. Every attendee received a printed copy of our Marketing Toolkit, and we announced an upcoming webinar where you’ll get a first-hand guide to walk you through it, step-by-step. You can sign up for the Marketing 101: A Guided Tour through CAMFT's Member Marketing Toolkit webinar right here. It’s free for members, so make sure you take a moment to register!
We also welcomed our incoming 2025–2026 Board Members with a special orientation session. We are excited to continue moving forward with our three-year strategic plan, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy to the work ahead.
I always leave our Annual Conference feeling reenergized and motivated for the year ahead. I’m inspired by the strength and spirit of our community, which is so apparent when we all come together.
As summer approaches and the energy of the season begins to wind down, I encourage you to take time to rest and recharge. We at CAMFT will be busy preparing for the new Board year and continuing our efforts to build a strong future for our organization.
With care, Joy Alafia, MBA, CAE Executive Director
IN THIS NEWSLETTER YOU WILL FIND:
MAJOR CHANGE TO BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENT
You may recall that, beginning January 1, 2024, the federal Corporate Transparency Act required various business entities, including professional corporations, to report certain ownership information, known as "beneficial ownership information", to the United States Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
However, on March 21, 2025, FinCEN issued an interim final rule "remove[ing] the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act." Following this change, the beneficial ownership information reporting requirement only applies to certain companies formed under the laws of other countries.
Click Here to review FinCEN's press release regarding this interim final rule.
SEE PROPOSED BYLAWS & ETHICS REVISIONS IN ‘THE THERAPIST’ MAGAZINE!
CAMFT’s Ethics Committee and Bylaws Committee have been hard at work reviewing and updating key sections of CAMFT’s governance and ethical standards. You will soon find a detailed overview of the proposed revisions in the upcoming May/June issue of The Therapist magazine.
In the meantime, visit our Proposed Ethics AI Code Revisions and Proposed Bylaws Revisions pages to learn more about the process and what’s being proposed.
We encourage all members to stay informed and engaged. Your input helps shape the future of our profession.
LET DMHC KNOW WHICH COMMERCIAL HEALTHPLANS ARE NOT REIMBURSING ASSOCIATES AND TRAINEES
CAMFT is aware that some commercial health plans are not allowing associates and/or trainees to provide and bill for mental health and substance use disorder (MHSUD) services. We have conducted several surveys to gain insights on this issue and your responses revealed that those plans are prohibiting the billing of MHSUD services for associates and/or trainees in their policies and contracts, despite legal and regulatory recognition of their eligibility as healthcare providers.
We shared our survey results with the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and they are committed to ensuring all plans cover and reimburse MHSUD services rendered by all qualified eligible providers. DMHC is seeking more specifics around the policies and language in your contracts that prohibit the utilization of associates and trainees. Please take a few minutes to complete this feedback form and share your experience on this issue.
NEW LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS OPENING FOR MFTS
The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is offering exciting loan repayment opportunities for licensed and pre-licensed applicants preparing to become behavioral health professionals.
There are two loan repayment programs opening in May:
HCAI is also offering a loan repayment program for behavioral health professionals who are willing to commit to serving 2-4 years in an eligible Medi-Cal safety net setting. This Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program offers up to $240,000 and an informational webinar will be held on May 13, 2025 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. Click here to register and learn more about this upcoming loan repayment program that will open July 1, 2025.
To help determine if you are eligible for a program, please use the HCAI Funding Eligibility Tool.
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.
BBS ADVANCES PLANS TO ADOPT THE NATIONAL EXAM
The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) determined that both statutory and regulatory amendments are necessary to adopt the MFT national exam for licensure in California.
Statutory amendments are the first step toward granting the BBS the authority to adopt the MFT national exam formally via regulatory amendments. BBS staff are still in the process of introducing statutory amendments for the 2025 legislative session and recently approved the regulatory amendments in concept to begin drafting the initial rulemaking documents for future submission. In the meantime, CAMFT is continuing to work with the BBS and national exam administrators to ensure a transition to the national exam is not a hardship on California applicants.
For more information on the transition to the national exam, please read CAMFT’s FAQs page.
LICENSED PROVIDERS MUST CONSIDER THEIR MEDICARE STATUS
As we move through 2025, it’s important to stay informed about essential issues—especially how LMFTs' Medicare eligibility might affect you and your patients. LMFTs now have the option to opt in, opt out, or take no action regarding Medicare. While CAMFT has been sharing information on this topic since December 2023, some members are still navigating what this change means for them. If you haven’t yet considered your Medicare status, now is the time. Some providers are facing penalties such as having to pay money back to Medicare beneficiaries who they were seeing via private pay without opting out AND using a Medicare-specific private pay contract.
To better understand Medicare and the potential impact on your practice, visit CAMFT's Medicare Corner for more details.
THE FUTURE OF TELEHEALTH IN MEDICARE
In March, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1968) which included an extension of the Medicare telehealth flexibilities that had been set to expire on April 1, 2025. The continuation of the waiver of in-person visit requirements through September 30, 2025 means no changes to Medicare telehealth coverage until October 1, 2025. As of October, however, providers may be required to see their patients in-person at least once within the six months prior to initiating telehealth services. This means providers should be prepared in case in-person visits are once again required come fall.
While the future of telehealth flexibilities continues to be an issue, providers should be aware that telehealth behavioral health services are a permanent fixture in Medicare.
In fact, permanent changes to Medicare include the following:
CAMFT, along with the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition we belong to, is carefully monitoring this issue for its members.
For more information on telehealth, visit Noridian Health Solutions’ website: Telehealth - JE Part B - Noridian and Teleheath Waiver Extension.
ATTEND BBS BOARD MEETINGS
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.
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 includes updates involving newsletters, licensing, examination, renewal, regulation/legislation, agenda notices, materials, and minutes, etc. To subscribe, please click here.
INTRODUCING THE NEW MARKETING TOOLKIT–CREATED JUST FOR THERAPISTS!
We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new resource created to help you kick off the year with confidence–the Marketing Toolkit for Marriage and Family Therapists!
We heard your requests for help scaling your business, so we created this resource to help bring your private practice to new heights! The toolkit is packed with key strategies for crafting a standout bio and elevator pitch, optimizing your website, and creating compelling messaging that attracts your ideal clients.
We’ll be hosting a FREE webinar to walk CAMFT members through this toolkit, step-by-step, on July 18 at 11am. Be sure to register for Marketing 101: A Guided Tour through CAMFT's Member Marketing Toolkit to learn how to build your brand, create a website, and effectively promote your business. Come ready with questions!
MEET OUR 2025 SCHOLARSHIP & GRANT WINNERS!
We are pleased to recognize this year’s Scholarship Recipients and Honors and Award Winners — 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 RONALD D. LUNCEFORD SCHOLARSHIP! This month's spotlight is on Ronald D. Lunceford!
As the first African-American to serve as CAMFT president, Ronald D. Lunceford was a trailblazer in the field of marriage and family therapy, especially in advocating for ethnic minority communities. He had a deep commitment to gerontology, human relations, death and dying, minority concerns, and political action.
Ronald D. Lunceford held many leadership roles, including co-chair of the Minority Concerns Committee, chair of the Nominating Committee, and a member of the Board of Directors and Human Rights Network. In clinical practice, he founded a counseling center, authored several books, and dedicated his life to community care and education.
If your path reflects the spirit and legacy of Ronald, we invite you to learn more and apply here.
Law and Ethics: Mastering Mandated Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting June 6, 2025 | 9:00 am-12:00 pm (3 CEs)
Although elder and dependent adult reporting is one of the most common legal issues therapists navigate in practice, it tends to receive much less focus than child abuse reporting. This workshop will provide a detailed overview of the mandated reporting procedures outlined in California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, including the different types of reportable elder and dependent adult abuse, the types of California agencies that receive mandated elder and dependent adult abuse reports, and how much time mandated reporters have to make these reports.
Learn more and register now!
Can’t attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience.
Live Webinar - Marketing 101: A Guided Tour Through CAMFT's Member Marketing Toolkit July 18, 2025 | 11:00 am (0 CE Hours)
Course Description: CAMFT's Marketing Partner, EMC Communications, will host a Member Marketing Toolkit webinar on July 18, 2025 to guide you step-by-step through the toolkit and give you the information you need to:
Price : Free for Members only Learn more and register now!
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.
Law and Ethics: Updates and Resources for Medi-Cal Providers November 14, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm (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.
NEW RECORDINGS ADDED!
BBS GETTING CLOSER TO RELEASING ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR AMFT REGISTRATION
The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is getting closer to bringing the application for AMFT registration online. The transition is in its final stages of testing and data validation to ensure the smooth transition of records to the new system. We will continue to stay informed on its development and share more information once the online AMFT registration applications go live!
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.
TEN CHAPTERS WELCOME ATTENDEES AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Ten Chapters were hosts at this year’s Annual Conference, held at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square on May 2-3.
On Friday, members from the East Bay, Los Angeles, Sacramento Valley, Santa Barbara, and Santa Clara Valley Chapters welcomed attendees, while hosts from the Central Coast, Long Beach-South Bay, Marin County, San Diego North County, and San Fernando Valley Chapters took the lead on Saturday.
Chapter hosts greeted participants, offered local recommendations for dining and entertainment, and shared a variety of giveaways. They also connected with potential members, highlighting upcoming events and the many benefits of joining their local Chapter community.
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
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 5/31/2025 and use the code CEPACHEER when calling in your payment to get 25% off the Initial Application Fee. Get the details.
Join us for a special webinar just for Certified Supervisor Program (CSP) applicants and their Consultants on how to finish the CSP process. This one-hour presentation with Q&A will go over:
When: Monday, May 19, 2024 Time: 4pm – 5pm
Register Now
WELCOME TO OUR NEW CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISORS
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.
DISPLAY AD ORDERS FOR THE JULY/AUGUST 2025 EDITION EDITION OF THE THERAPIST Place your display ad order by June 1, 2025. More Information.
SCHOLARSHIP/GRANTS— WE’RE 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)
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