BBS BOARD APPROVES INITIATING REGULATORY RULEMAKING TO ADOPT THE AMFTRB NATIONAL EXAM   

The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) met on August 22nd and approved the proposed regulatory amendments that would formally designate the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Board (AMFTRB) national exam as the clinical exam required for MFT licensure in California.  

The proposed text will now start to move forward as a regulation package. Meanwhile, the BBS’s sponsored legislation Senate Bill (SB) 775, which includes the amendment that would give the Board the option to adopt the AMFTRB national exam via regulations, is still moving through the final weeks of the legislative process.  

CAMFT is continuing to support both efforts. We are working closely with the BBS and AMFTRB exam administrators to ensure a smooth transition to the national exam for California applicants.   

MEDICARE IN-PERSON REQUIREMENTS FOR TELEHEALTH PATIENTS  

Unless Congress acts to extend today’s telehealth flexibilities, mental health providers will once again need to meet in-person visit requirements beginning October 1, 2025.  

These requirements include an in-person visit within six months before the initial telehealth services, as well as a subsequent in-person visit once a year. There is an exception to the annual in-person visit requirement when the provider documents that the risks and burdens of an in-person visit outweigh the benefits.  

Mental health providers working in Rural Health Centers (RHCS) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) will not be required to comply with in-person visit requirements until January 1, 2026.   

SUPPORTING THERAPISTS THROUGH EXECUTIVE ORDERS  

To support our members as Executive Orders are being released and implemented, we’ve launched the Executive Action Impact Landing Page — a centralized resource offering up-to-date information on these developments. The page also invites members to share how these federal actions may be affecting their practice, clients, or ethical and professional obligations.  

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 held a free webinar titled Working with Individuals and Families Impacted by ICE Raids/Deportation. Please click here to watch the replay.  
• 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 4th, 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 will continue to advocate for funding to replace program cuts that support mental healthcare and the mental healthcare workforce for our communities.

DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE LOAN REPAYMENT AND GRANT OPPORTUNITIES   

The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is currently accepting applications for their California State Loan Repayment Program aimed at reducing educational loans for healthcare professionals who commit to serving in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas or at a Federally Qualified Health Center. Licensed MFTs are eligible to receive up to $50,000 in educational loan repayment grants in exchange for a two-year service obligation at eligible sites. The application cycle closes on September 15, 2025.  

There are also several grants for behavioral health entities available:  

• Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program Round 2: Unmet Needs – more than $800 million available statewide to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate real estate assets in behavioral health settings that expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services. Grant funds are specifically aimed at 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.
• Health Center Program Service Area Competition – grant dollars to fund health centers to provide health care services to defined service areas. Public or non-profit entities must serve an entire service area listed in the Service Area Announcement Table. Application deadlines depend on the notice of funding opportunity in your geographic area.

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 

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 include updates involving newsletters, licensing, examination, renewal, regulation/legislation, agenda notices, materials, and minutes, etc. To subscribe, please click here.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE! 

It’s time to mark your calendars and save the date for CAMFT's next Annual Conference! We’re planning another exciting event where you can sharpen your skills, explore fresh ideas, and seize new opportunities for growth and innovation. We will see you at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA on May 1 – 2, 2026! 

WEBINAR RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE: MARKETING TOOLKIT 101: A GUIDED TOUR THROUGH CAMFT’S MEMBER MARKETING TOOLKIT

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent membership exclusive webinar, Marketing Toolkit 101! Whether you came for the full session or just popped in for part of it, we’re so grateful you were there. 

The conversation touched on how to build your brand, create your web presence, and effectively promote your business as an LMFT, and we heard from some incredible voices in the field (shoutout to EMC Communications for leading us through this toolkit). 

If you couldn’t make it (or want to revisit the discussion), the full recording is now available to watch at your convenience.  

You can now access the recording following this link: Recording: Marketing 101: A Guided Tour through CAMFT's Member Marketing Toolkit | CAMFT 
Please use your CAMFT login and password to access the recording. 

Hoping to just view the presentation slides? Click here to view the handout: Marketing 101: A Guided Tour through CAMFT's Member Marketing Toolkit | CAMFT 

We hope it sparks reflection, conversation, and maybe even a little inspiration. Keep an eye out for more CAMFT member exclusive events like this! 

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MFT JOURNEY WITH CAMFT MEMBERSHIP 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your practice, CAMFT membership is here to support every stage of your journey as a marriage and family therapist. 

As a member, you’ll gain access to a wide range of valuable benefits, including: 

• Legal and ethical support (unlimited)
• Discounted malpractice insurance (free for students)
• Continuing education opportunities
• The Therapist magazine (online access)
• 24/7 access to our on-demand learning library
• State and national advocacy
• Free marketing tools and resources
• EBSCOhost clinical research database
• CAMFT Chapters: local, vibrant, and supportive professional community
• The CAMFT Job Board 

With CAMFT, you get the tools, resources, community, and 60+ years of experience in California that you need to thrive in your career and the support that you're not doing it alone. 

Join CAMFT Today and take the next step with confidence. 

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL TO BE A PEER PRESENTER IN 2026

Do you have an idea, insight, or story that others in our field need to hear? Is there a tool, strategy, or framework you use that more people should know about? Are you seeing trends in your field that others haven't caught onto yet? 

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then we are looking for you. 

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) invites you to submit intermediate or advanced workshop proposals to be considered for CAMFT's Annual Conference, Fall Symposium, and/or clinical webinars that deliver innovative, practice-oriented content from experience mental health professionals. 

Submit your application by September 15 to be considered for the CAMFT's Annual Conference. Proposals received after this date may be reviewed for future events. 

Submit Your Proposal Today! 
Use access code: CAMFT26

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 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP  

This month’s spotlight is on our original scholarship! 

Back in 1977, CAMFT created this foundation to support the marriage and family therapy profession through financial assistance and research. In the last 48 years, we’ve introduced four other scholarships, awarding nearly $150,000 to MFT trainees!  

To qualify for our original Educational Foundation Scholarship, you must be participating in advanced training or an unpaid internship within the field of marriage and family therapy – and your training should not be completed before April 1, 2026.  

You’ll also have to demonstrate a commitment to the profession through an essay. While anyone can apply, being a CAMFT member certainly won’t hurt!   

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. 

If you’re already an LMFT, consider serving on the Scholarship Committee and help our future MFTs! If you would like to make a difference in a student/intern’s career, contact scholarships@camft.org today to find out how you can join and play an important role in the profession.  

REGISTER NOW FOR CAMFT’s FALL SYMPOSIUM!

Long Beach, CA 
October 17, 2025 
8:00 am – 5:00 pm (6.5 CEs)

Join us as we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and psychotherapy. CAMFT's Fall Symposium brings together leading voices in psychotherapy, ethics, and law to give you the insights you need to navigate this evolving landscape with confidence. 

Whether you’re simply curious or already experimenting with AI in your practice, you’ll gain new perspectives, practical takeaways, and the confidence to navigate what’s next in mental health care. 

This year’s event will feature: 

• AI in the Mental Health Profession: What MFTs Need to Know 
  This panel discussion will feature clinicians and thought leaders who will explore the ways AI is changing psychotherapy and the potential impacts on clinical practice.
• Artificial Intelligence in the Room: The Therapist's Guide to Ethical Practice 
  This course explores the current landscape of AI in mental health, identifying both the promising advancements and the potential pitfalls.
• Navigating Law and Ethics in a New World of Online Therapy Platforms 
  This workshop will provide a helpful overview of how therapists can navigate some of the most common legal and ethical issues providers face when working for online therapy platforms.

Choose your experience: 

• In-Person: Join us in a dynamic, intimate setting with limited seating to ensure quality interaction. Meet and network with colleagues, speakers, and thought leaders during breaks and over lunch.
• Livestream + Recordings: Can’t make it in person? Watch live from anywhere and get access to the full recordings so you can revisit the sessions at your own pace until the end of this year, allowing ample time to review the content.

Click here to learn more and register! 

LAW AND ETHICS: Working with Minor Clients: Prepare for Success and Avoid the Pitfalls

September 19, 2025
9:00am-12:00pm
(3 CEs)  

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. 

In 2024, mental health In 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 offered informative sessions for providers on addressing the clinical needs of older adults with mental health conditions.

Join our expert presenter, Dr. Erin Emery-Tiburcio, as she discusses the tasks to lessen the pain of loss for individuals experiencing grief, evidence-supported treatments, and how to differentiate normal grief from prolonged grief disorder. She will also explore how to take an active approach to grief so you can help older adults manage their emotions after loss.

This is an opportunity for mental health and other clinicians, aging services providers, thanatology professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to gain increased knowledge of managing grief and strategies for navigating loss.

After this webinar, participants will be able to:

• define terms associated with grief.
• recognize prolonged grief disorder criteria.
• describe the tasks of grieving.

Register for this free webinar today!

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! 

• 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
• 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? 

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.

How the Long Beach- South Bay CAMFT Chapter Job Fair recruited members for the Chapter and CAMFT 

On July 11, 2025, the Long Beach-South Bay CAMFT chapter held an in-person job fair at the Torrance Memorial Hoffman Health Conference Center.  

The President, Chris McKnight, had the vision of revitalizing job fairs for therapists in the Long Beach-South Bay area and bringing people together in person for a post-COVID event. This was the first Job Fair since May 2018.  

Chris shared that to make the event less of a financial burden on the hosts and participants, the Board offered a discounted rate to table hosts if they would be willing to consider allowing the LBSB Chapter to advertise and promote them as a Chapter sponsor. The event ended up with 23 table hosts, of which 10 opted to become sponsors for the LBSB chapter.  

There were 30 attendees throughout the day. The Chapter made close to $5,000 - a win-win for everyone involved! Chris had the opportunity to talk to many CEOs and founders and learned that some had questions as they were expanding their organizations. From those conversations, she decided to create a “Mastermind” group for them all, of which more information will be available soon.   

Chris shared that due to the excitement of the event, and once the sponsors and hosts learned about the benefits of being a CAMFT and/or a Chapter member, the LBSB chapter, as well as CAMFT, gained quite a few new members. 

“We're pleased to announce that the Job Fair was a great success! It was a wonderful opportunity to recruit new members and sponsors, establish a new support group for CEOs, Owners, and Founders, and to establish future partnerships with organizations that can be contacted in the future to participate in the next annual Job Fair for 2026.” 

Covering one of the largest geographic regions in California, IE-CAMFT continues to show that our Chapter is more than the sum of its parts.  

This past year, we built momentum through events that celebrated community and showcased the depth of our membership — from the Therapy Book Fair in Riverside, which brought authors and clinicians together in a creative reimagining of the “grown-up book fair,” to our Welcome A Board Event, where new leaders and members connected in celebration of the year ahead. 

Alongside these hallmark gatherings, IE-CAMFT hosted multiple mixers, professional development gatherings, and ongoing networking spaces that highlight what makes our community so special: visibility, collaboration, and connection. These events not only strengthen ties across the Inland Empire but also amplify our chapter’s influence at the state level, where IE-CAMFT leaders are consistently shaping the future of CAMFT. 

Though modest in size, IE-CAMFT has become a true powerhouse — a chapter where therapists at every stage of their career can find inspiration, belonging, and a strong voice in the profession. 

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

• C.G. Jung Institute of San Diego
• Celebrate Life
• Collaborative Practice California
• Kindman & Co.

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 9/30/2025 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 

• Ashley McDaid 

• Maya Anderson 

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 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 EDITION EDITION OF THE THERAPIST
Place your display ad order by October 1, 2025. More Information.  

Now that we have your attention, let’s talk about your future. The CAMFT Educational Foundation gives away $22,500 every year by offering five scholarships and one grant to deserving candidates. Each scholarship award is in the amount of $4,000, and the grant award is $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) 

NOW OPEN!  NOMINATE YOUR COLLEAGUE TO RECOGNIZE THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT 

Each year CAMFT is thrilled to recognize the fantastic accomplishments of our members and others in the industry. Four honors will be awarded to distinguished CAMFT members, school, or agency that have contributed in a significant way to the body of literature or research informing the profession of marriage and family therapy or have engaged in projects or committed to a mission that has enhanced the quality and reputation of the profession.

Nominations are now being accepted for the following:  

• Mary Riemersma Distinguished Clinical Member 
• Honorary Distinguished Clinical Member (non-CAMFT member)
• Clark Vincent Award
• Outstanding School or Agency Award

Nominate your exceptional colleague, school, or agency for their extraordinary achievements!

The Online Application for each Honor and Award makes it SUPER EASY to apply! To apply for one of these opportunities—or to nominate someone else—click here. 

CAMFT members can access vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (vsp). Compare rates and enroll today!

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