About Us | Chapters | Advertising | Join
Email : infocenter@camft.org
Phone : (858) 292-2638
Dear Members,
As we move further into 2026, I hope the year is already bringing you fulfillment and connection. There’s a lot taking shape right now, and I’m excited to share a few important updates with you.
First, I’m excited to announce that our transition from the printed to our first ever fully digital version of The Therapist magazine just launched on Friday! With live links to updated legislative news, direct access to CE credits, and easy-to-share articles, we believe this new format of our magazine will serve you better. Be sure to check out this page for a video tour to get the most out of this exciting upgrade.
Voting season is almost upon us, and this year’s election is extra important because you'll be voting on proposed bylaws alongside Board of Directors candidates. Before you receive your ballots later this month, I encourage you to take some time to get familiar with the proposed bylaws, as well as read each Board candidate statement to cast an informed and thoughtful vote.
I'm excited to unveil a timely resource in this month’s newsletter: a new FAQ page on the pending transition to the national exam. With the transition potentially beginning as soon as 2027, we know many of you have questions. That’s why we are working closely with the BBS to ensure accurate, up-to-date information about the national exam and what it may mean for you.
Now is also the time of year where we ask your consideration to volunteer to serve on CAMFT’s committees We are now accepting Committee applications, due April 15. Details for each committee, and more information about CAMFT committee policies and processes, can be found here: Participate on a Committee.
We also have several meaningful opportunities to come together this spring. Advocacy Day is scheduled for March 12, and we still have space available – please join us in Sacramento to speak with your elected officials! You’ll need to register by February 12 if you’re interested, so we have ample time to provide training on how the day works and how to effectively engage with policymakers.
Finally, I want to remind you to sign up for the 2026 Annual Conference if you haven't already! We’ll connect in San Diego this year with all the activities you know and love, like morning yoga, timely workshops, networking events, and book signings with our keynote speakers. This year, you’ll have an opportunity to earn 40 CE credits in a single weekend! Be sure to take advantage of our CAMFT group rates for hotels and flights when you register.
Looking forward to connecting with many of you in person very soon.
With care, Joy Alafia, MBA, CAE Executive Director
IN THIS NEWSLETTER YOU WILL FIND:
As you may know, the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is moving towards a transition to the AMFTRB National Exam as early as 2027. To help answer your questions and provide accurate, up-to-date information, we have developed a new FAQ resource for our members: MFT License Portability: National Exam Transition. We encourage you to bookmark this page, as we will continue to update it with additional details and resources as they become available!
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 signed into law on February 3, 2026, extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027. This means the requirement for an in-person visit within six months prior to an initial telehealth visit and every 12 months is waived until January 1, 2028. Any telehealth services rendered during the partial government shutdown between February 1st and February 3rd are expected to be covered retroactively.
The U.S. Department of Education has published a proposed rule to substantially overhaul federal student loan programs available to graduate students. One of the most significant proposals the Department has put forward would limit, for first-time federal graduate loan borrowers taking out loans on or after July 1, 2026, the amount they can access to $20,000 per year of their graduate program.
We at CAMFT are working in coalition with other stakeholders representing mental health professionals to ensure your perspective is shared with the Administration and those in Congress on this issue. We will be sending an action alert to members to submit public comments in the coming weeks, ahead of the March 2, 2026 deadline, so look for it shortly!
We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support of CAMFT's Political Action Committee (PAC). With the strength of more than 8,000 donors in 2025, your collective contributions were felt, helping us champion mental health and make meaningful progress toward our fundraising and membership goals.
The important work continues! Please consider donating to the CAMFT PAC today, so we can continue our mission-driven success. Thank you for being an essential part of this process!
Click here to view our full PAC Full Year Update.
We at CAMFT are aware of the federal case Palmer v. Bonta (Sept. 19, 2025), which upholds state law (Business & Professions Code § 2054) that generally prohibits non-physicians from using the title “Dr.” or “Doctor.”
The court found that nurse practitioners using the title “Dr.” in patient-care contexts was inherently misleading because patients reasonably associate those titles with licensed physicians and surgeons, thus such professional titles can be regulated to prevent public confusion.
This misaligns with prior analysis of applicable California law interpretation by both the BBS and CAMFT. We have reached out to the BBS and other behavioral health organizations to discuss further. Since the statute and the Palmer decision seem to leave a lot of ambiguity with how the ruling would apply to behavioral health providers in various patient-care settings, we urge our members to use caution when advertising or using the title “Dr.”
While the BBS may review an advertisement that utilizes the “Dr.” title and ultimately determine not to pursue disciplinary action, this does not mean that another entity may not pursue action.
We are thrilled to share some exciting news! At its December meeting, after years of careful review and deliberation, the Board of Directors approved revisions to the CAMFT Code of Ethics, specifically addressing the use of technology, telehealth, and artificial intelligence.
These long-awaited updates reflect the complexity and importance of ethical practice in an evolving digital landscape.
We extend our sincerest thanks to the Ethics Committee members for their dedication and years of thoughtful work, as well as to the Board of Directors and members whose review and input helped inform the final revisions.
Members are encouraged to review the changes to ensure compliance and stay informed on current ethical standards.
The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is offering an exciting new scholarship opportunity for individuals who are pursuing behavioral health degrees and are willing to commit to serving Medi-Cal members for 2-4 years in an eligible Medi-Cal safety net setting. This Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program offers up to $240,000 in educational scholarships. The application cycle opens February 2 and closes March 16, 2026.
To see a list of all state and federal financial assistance programs we’re keeping an eye on, you can visit this page.
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.
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.
There are three new loan repayment programs available from HRSA (Health Resources & Service Administration). All three programs are open and accepting applications under March 31, 2026. Read more about service commitments, repayment amounts, and how to apply in our Financial Assistance Programs page.
CAMFT Advocacy Day returns on March 12, 2026, bringing members together in Sacramento to advocate for the MFT profession and the communities we serve.
Participants will receive advocacy training, legislative updates, and the opportunity to meet directly with their legislators to discuss key issues impacting MFTs in California. Advocacy Day is a powerful opportunity to learn, connect, and make a meaningful impact through our collective voice.
Please note that Advocacy Day is capped at 75 members, so act fast!
Click here to learn more and to register!
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!
Members, don’t forget! You have access to our Marketing Toolkit for Marriage and Family Therapists — a practical, on-demand resource designed to support your private practice at every stage.
Whether you’re refining your bio, clarifying your elevator pitch, updating your website or rethinking how you attract clients, the toolkit offers clear guidance and actionable strategies to help you communicate with confidence.
This is a resource you can return to at any time. Bookmark it now and revisit as your practice evolves!
If you want a guided tour of the toolkit, you can find it for FREE right here.
Our Nominating Committee has chosen the slate of candidates to run for the Board of Directors. Click here to view the candidates and read their statements.
We're excited to announce the building of a new digital Resource Hub complete with helpful products and services at special CAMFT prices: a one-stop shop just for you, our members!
Before we launch, we want to hear from you: What tools, services, and resources would make your professional life easier and your business run more smoothly? Please take a few minutes to fill out this brief survey. Your feedback will directly shape how we build the Resource Hub!
Over the past year, the CAMFT Bylaws Committee has been hard at work carefully reviewing and revising the CAMFT Bylaws to ensure they continue to support the organization’s mission, governance, and members.
This year, clinical members will vote on the proposed Bylaws updates as well as participate in the CAMFT Board of Directors election.
Ballots will be mailed in mid-February, so please keep an eye on your mailbox! Thank you for helping shape CAMFT’s future through your participation.
As the new year starts, we are looking forward to ramping up our CE opportunities by offering a variety of topics for further learning through on-demand learning and in-person experiences. Stay tuned for more upcoming workshops!
NAVIGATING GRAY AREAS WITH CONFIDENCE: A HELPFUL OVERVIEW OF DUAL RELATIONSHIPS, COACHING CONSIDERERATIONSW FOR THERAPISTS, AND SOLICITING REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS FROM PATIENTS
Bradley J. Muldrow, Esq CAMFT Staff Attorney Friday, February 6, 2026 9:00 am PST (3CEs)
Ever wonder why a lawyer’s favorite answer to just about any legal question is: “it depends”? Complex legal rules often create “gray area” scenarios which can be difficult to navigate without adequate guidance. In this three hour workshop, CAMFT staff attorney Bradley Muldrow, Esq. will provide helpful tips for navigating three law and ethics topics that are well known for encompassing multiple gray areas: dual relationships, coaching considerations for therapists, and soliciting reviews and testimonials from patients.
Learn more and register now!
Can’t attend live? Register to get access to the recording and watch at your convenience.
Breaking Down Medicare Barriers to Mental Health Care for Older Adults
February 19, 2026
11:00AM-12:30PM PT
Description: Medicare beneficiaries face unprecedented barriers accessing mental health care—and the professionals serving them are struggling to navigate an increasingly complex system. If you're working with older adults and want practical strategies for improving mental health access under Medicare, this session is for you.
If you've ever asked these questions, this session is for you:
Why can't my Medicare clients find mental health providers?
How do I help beneficiaries navigate Medicare Advantage for mental health services?
What happens to dual-eligible clients when they lose Medicaid coverage?
Why won't more mental health providers accept Medicare?
How can I advocate for better Medicare mental health coverage?
The policies decided in 2026 will determine whether older adults can access mental health care for years to come.
Join the Zoom meeting here
CURRENT TOPICS IN EATING DISORDERS: GLP-1S AND CO-OCCURING TRAUMA
February 20, 2026 9:00am-11:00am (2 CEs)
This course offers a deep dive into two elements of eating disorder treatment at the forefront of current research and clinical discussion: GLP-1s and co-occurring trauma symptoms. Attendees will hear from two speakers, one after the other, in a dual topic session exploring these unique challenges in the eating disorder recovery process.
Learn more and register today
Member-Only: State of the Profession
February 27, 2026 9:00am-10:00am (1 CEs)
Learn more and register today.
CAMFT Annual Conference Speakers
The countdown is on! With 5 months until CAMFT’s Annual Conference, we are excited to announce our amazing line up of speakers. From Ellyn Bader discussing the topic of infidelity to Adi Jaffee discussing the topic of addiction, we valuable insights for everyone to institute in your work. Our opening keynote will be a session not to miss.
Dr. Mike Dow, PsyD., is a New York Times bestselling author and has written eight books: Diet Rehab, The Brain Fog Fix, Healing the Broken Brain, Heal Your Drained Brain, Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Think, Act and Be Happy, Your Subconscious Brain Can Change Your Life, The Sugar Brain Fix and The Ketamine Breakthrough. His books have been translated into many languages in Europe, Asia and South America, and he has traveled the world to offer workshops based on his books.
CAMFT's 2026 Annual Conference is happening on May 1 - 2, 2026 in sunny San Diego, CA at the Town and Country Resort. This year’s conference offers an excellent opportunity to earn up to 21 CEUs. Let us know who you are most excited to see!
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.
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!
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.
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 January 30–31, CAMFT State Board members and leaders from 22 Chapters across California met at the Sheraton San Diego Resort for the annual Chapter Leadership Conference. This year’s conference saw a 14% increase in registration compared to last year, reflecting strong engagement and growing momentum among participants.
The conference emphasized networking, relationship-building, collaborative brainstorming, and the exchange of ideas and best practices. Key topics included board orientation and succession planning, volunteer and leadership retention and engagement, alignment across chapters, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Keynote, Chris Atley, continued the momentum with two deep-dive break-out sessions.
(Front): Allison Weaver, LMFT, Sacramento Valley; Kusum Punjabi, AMFT, Santa Clara Valley; Dr. Jane Akponye, LMFT, Inland Empire; Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT, Los Angeles; Emily Larkin, LMFT, Redwood Empire; Nanci Finley, LMFT, East Bay; Donna Chapman, PhD., LMFT, San Diego; Reesa Morala, LMFT, Southwest Riverside County (Back): Yesenia Rosado, AMFT, Long Beach-South Bay; Rachel Barr, LMFT, Marin County; Kathryn Bikle, LMFT, San Gabriel Valley; Joy Alafia, CAMFT; Corrina Zandakis, LCSW, Monterey County; Jodie Shea, LMFT, Orange County; Jennifer Calderon, LMFT, San Fernando Valley; and Linda Ankeney, LMFT, Sierra Foothills (Not shown): Kim Richards, LMFT, Central Coast; Akiah Robinson-Selwa, LMFT, Los Angeles; Marguerite "Meg" Ferrel, LMFT, Redding Regional; Kady Fleckenstein, LMFT, Santa Barbara; and Nadine Newman, LMFT, Sierra Foothills.
On January 9 and 16, CAMFT’s Executive Director Joy Alafia delivered an engaging 90-minute presentation to members of the Ventura County and Orange County Chapters. The session sparked lively discussion on topics including license portability, the impact of AI, California’s long-standing support of the MFT profession, and how recent changes to federal graduate student loan programs are affecting the field. Attendees described the presentation as “very informative” and shared that Joy did an excellent job highlighting the many resources and benefits CAMFT offers its 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.
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.
Don’t forget to click here throughout the year for a list of upcoming events throughout the State. Events are listed by Chapter/Region.
.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.
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.
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 2/28/26 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
Therese Schmoll
Clare Herder
Nicole Botaitis
Change to Consultant
Please note that you can only use either a CAMFT Certified Supervisor or an AAMFT Approved Supervisor with two years experience as your Consultant. If you are currently enrolled in the program and not using a CAMFT Certified Supervisor or an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, you may continue to use your Consultant.
Certified Supervisor Logo
The Certified Supervisor Program now has a logo! You can use this brand-new logo on your professional advertising and informational materials including business cards, letterhead, brochures, and website. To use the logo, please download this form by clicking here, sign and send it to csp@camft.org.
Add Your Photo
The Directory of CAMFT Certified Supervisors now comes with your picture! When Supervisees are looking for a Supervisor, we recommend they reach out to a CAMFT Certified Supervisor and direct them to this Directory. If you’d like to add your photo to your record, simply Log in to your Dashboard and upload your headshot. This is a GREAT way to personalize your listing!
LET CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES KNOW THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO BE A CONSULTANT
The Directory lets those interested in becoming a Certified Supervisor know who is willing to be a consultant.
It’s easy! Simply log in and navigate to the area under Certified Supervisor Program. Click on “Willing to be a Consultant for a Certified Supervisor Applicant.” Candidates can sort the list by those who are willing, so it may increase your visibility!
NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE FOR THE CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR PROGRAM!
To better serve you and maintain the CAMFT Certified Supervisor Program’s (CSP) Creed to go “Above and Beyond,” the CSP Committee is now using a set of questions to review the topics and score the Case Summary.
For a helpful cheat sheet to guide your Case Summary writing, CLICK HERE.
Please remember that Consultants must review and approve the Case Summary before the Verification of Completion application goes to the Committee.
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.
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 is pleased to offer our Members a Special Negotiated Discount* with ADP® - the leading provider of Payroll, HR and Benefits. If you have an Intern (employee) or plan to take a salary as an Officer of your Corporation, take advantage of these benefits now.
Read More