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My name is Stephen Odom, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for a Clinical Director at Large Board position for CAMFT:
CAMFT is an important organization representing a valuable profession, and I believe we are at an important crossroads. Our ability to support our members through our core values of advocacy, policy, training, and professionalism has never been more important than it is today. There is no shortage of crises, tragedies, disasters, hatred, and "-isms" in our world, and we are seeing consequences in the anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance misuse we collectively treat. Our value within the larger mental health profession must also be seen and promoted by us so we can be everywhere we are needed - in organizations, schools, public safety institutions, out on the front lines, and our therapy rooms. I am excited to be part of the planning and guidance for our future, as I can see the exponential growth needed to keep pace with the demand for professional psychotherapy services.
I am certain I can be helpful as an advocate, provider, and behavioral healthcare leader for CAMFT, the organization that has supported and represented me for almost 20 years. I have remained educated on all CAMFT initiatives and voted every cycle. I have led organizations that train MFT's for over 25 years, and I tout the education, training, and skill set of our profession on a regular basis as I speak regularly on Public Safety and Government Sector-related mental health and wellness topics at the state, regional, and national levels.
I have worked in healthcare and with government organizations my entire career. My current role is both executive and clinical leadership for FR Health, a behavioral health treatment, counseling, and training organization serving public safety professionals and their families. I approve all admissions, facilitate the monthly family week program, and continue to have a private practice. In my continuing efforts to build a professional clinical workforce to manage the future needs of our clients and communities, I am consistently frustrated by the lack of diversity among our colleagues - as I am reminded of this failing regularly from the agencies and public safety organizations I serve - and together we need to find solutions to increase the desirability and ability for underrepresented groups to join and thrive in our profession. I also served on elected boards of directors for healthcare credit unions for over 20 years.
I possess an educational background in organizational behavior (bachelors), clinical psychology (masters), and healthcare administration (doctorate). This combination allows me to integrate current research knowledge, clinical and administrative practice understanding, and practical, directly relevant experience.
CAMFT’s strategic pillars of advocacy, growth, and technology are critically important for our individual and collective success. The fact that these strategic pillars are also my focus is exciting, as I want MFTs and CAMFT to continue to grow, thrive, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Thank you.
Stephen Odom
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