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    Chapter Announcements

    See below or go to our Events page for the latest information on our upcoming events.

    Upcoming events

    Event Policies, Protocols & Grievance Procedures can all be viewed any time by clicking HERE or by following the path via the 'Events' tab on our website. 



    For the first time in many years, LBSB CAMFT is hosting a JOB FAIR! It will be held on Friday, July 11th in Torrance. If you are offering or know of any job openings for licensed or prelicensed therapists, please contact Chris McKnight at president@lbsbcamft.org



    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT!

    Neuropsychological Assessment of Children and Teens – Why, When, and How?

    with Lisa Hancock, Ph.D., MBA

    Fri, June 20, 2025

     9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

     In-Person Meeting

    (This is strictly an in-person event, not virtual)


    Course meets the qualifications for 1 hour of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  *Pre-Licensed may earn credit with prior permission from their Supervisors


    Workshop Description

    The Neuropsychological Assessment of Children and Teens course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices involved in assessing neuropsychological functioning in young individuals. This course is designed to bridge theoretical foundations with practical applications, offering participants insights into how neuropsychological assessments can inform therapeutic strategies. Through detailed examination of various disorders and the corresponding assessment tools, learners will gain the ability to evaluate and interpret assessment data, ultimately guiding effective treatment and intervention plans. This course is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in clinical neuropsychology and its application in therapy.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT!



    Events on the Horizon from

    LBSB CAMFT & State CAMFT
    (subject to change)


    Friday, June 20th
    “Benefits of Testing/Evaluating Neurodivergent Children” - Lisa Hancock, PSY (In-Person @ Fusion School, PV)

    Friday, July 11th - Long Beach South Bay CAMFT Job Fair (In-Person in Torrance)

    Friday, August 8th -  “Disconnected: Supporting Lonely Adolescents in a Hyperconnected World.” Debbie Murad, LCSW (LBSB CAMFT Hybrid Online/In-Person Meeting)

    Friday, August 29th“Why Children Reject Their Parents” Cathay Himlin, LMFT, LPCC (In-Person @ Fusion School, PV)

    Friday, September 12th“Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Adults” Rohit Aiyer, M.D (LBSB CAMFT Hybrid Online/In-Person Meeting)

    Friday, September 19th - "Law and Ethics: Working with Minor Clients: Prepare for Success and Avoid the Pitfalls" with Alain Montgomery (Webinar) Register HERE

    Friday, October 10th - "Using the PLISSIT Model to Treat Clients with Sexual Problems" with Liz Dubé LMFT, CST (LBSB CAMFT Hybrid Online/In-Person Meeting)

    Friday, October 31st - “Healthy Ways to Manage Chronic Mental Illness, How You Can Help” Cherie Harper, LMFT (In-Person @ Fusion School, PV)

    Friday, November 14th “Updates and Resources for Medi-Cal Providers” Sara Jasper, JD (Webinar) Register HERE

    For the most up-to-date information, click HERE to access our annual calendar (all events are subject to change).


    Why Update Your Profile?

    • An updated account allows us to tailor our communications and services to better suit you
    • Ensures you receive invitations to events and activities that match your interests
    • Helps us to connect you with other members who share similar interests and professional goals
    • Allows us to maintain up-to-date information to ensure accurate records for our membership renewals and other administrative purposes

    The Board Bulletin
     
    Reminders & Announcements from the Leadership Team

    New in M2M this week:

    • A new Letter From The President

    • Still active -  a letter from the Membership Director re: a survey on Special Interest Groups

    • Are you a licensed or pre-licensed clinician looking for a job? Register for the Job Fair on July 11th!


    A Letter From The President
    June 16, 2025

    Dear Friends, Colleagues, Members, and Future Members (Contacts & Subscribers),

    Today is Father’s Day as I write this. Let’s take a moment to say thank you to the fathers who have been present—leaders in the home who teach, guide, and correct their children. Thank you for preparing them to become responsible, hard-working people who will positively contribute to the world. Stand firm in what you believe is right and true—and share that with your children. Thank you!

    This month, there’s no error—just an intentional accommodation in our scheduling. Our upcoming event is happening this Friday, because the selected presenter was only available on the third Friday of the month instead of the fourth. Typically, our 3000 Club hosts events on the last Friday of every other month, but this time we’re gathering early! The topic is especially relevant for those of you who work with kids and teens:

    “Neuropsychological Assessment of Children and Teens – Why, When, and How?”

    This is an in-person-only event happening Friday, June 20th. It’s not too late to register—and if you don’t know until the morning of, we’ll still accept payment at the door! We always provide breakfast and a chance to network before and after the one-hour presentation. It’s a great time, so come out and join us—we’d love to meet you or see you again!

    To the Members of the Long Beach South Bay Chapter—especially those who attended the Holiday Party in December 2024—we want to acknowledge and apologize for the confusion regarding Special Interest Groups. Many people misunderstood the brochure questions about forming these groups, which were actually meant to build connection and community among therapists. That wasn’t clearly communicated, and we get that. So, we’ve hit the reset button and are trying again—with your input.

    We want everyone to feel included, but we can’t create these groups without knowing what you’re interested in. The best way to help us is to take the short Special Interest Group Survey. Whether you’re looking to connect socially or professionally (without too much shop talk 😂), this is a chance to build something fun and meaningful together. Our Director of Membership explained this in a recent Monday newsletter—if you missed it, this is your chance to jump in. Please complete the survey this week so we can get a few groups started this summer. We can’t do it without your feedback!

    Reminder: We are still seeking Employers and Supervisors to serve as Table Hosts at the upcoming Job Fair. If you or someone you know is looking for interns, pre-licensed, or licensed clinicians, we’d love to have you join us. Help us support clinicians who are ready for a fresh start or new direction in the mental health field.

    Thank you all for your continued support—and for taking the time to read this!

    Sincerely,

    Chris McKnight, M.A., LMFT

    (310) 529-3011

    President, LBSB Chapter of CAMFT
    president@lbsbcamft.org

    www.lbsbcamft.org


    Hi LBSB Members,

    Earlier this year, we introduced the idea of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) as a way to help members connect beyond our clinical roles—around shared interests, hobbies, and ways to recharge. While a few ideas began to take shape, we realized we need more input from YOU to truly make these groups meaningful and enjoyable.

    As we head into summer, we’re revisiting the idea with a fresh approach: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Whether it's hiking, reading, meditating, or watching movies—we’d love to create informal spaces where members can gather, relax, and have fun.

    This short survey will help us shape the next steps. 

    Thank you!


    Wendy Rodriguez M.A., LMFT

    LBSB CAMFT - Director of Membership

    www.lbsbcamft.org



    Do you know someone who might want to join Long Beach South Bay CAMFT? Send them THIS flyer to let them know more about who we are and what we do!


    Sponsorship Opportunity

    Support Our Chapter’s Success!

    We’re excited to offer diverse sponsorship opportunities for our chapter. Whether you're interested in making a Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond-level contribution, your support will play a crucial role in advancing our mission.


    Sponsorship Levels:

    Silver: $200+

    Gold: $450+

    Platinum: $750+

    Diamond: $1,500+

    Your involvement not only helps fund our member events but also connects you with a dedicated community of professionals. For more details on how to become a sponsor and the benefits of each level of sponsorship, please reach out to our President at President@lbsbcamft.org.



    Member Benefits


    • In order to maintain your membership with LBSB CAMFT, you MUST be sure your membership with State CAMFT is currently active. Please monitor renewal dates for both accounts to ensure you don't miss out on the many benefits of membership! You can verify your State membership by visiting www.camft.org
    • Did you know that M2M is seen not just by our members, but by hundreds of non-members from wellness-focused businesses to other clinicians? When you submit a request to have a member announcement included in M2M (click HERE for info and instructions on how to do this!), the information about you and your practice is sent to OVER 1,100 people!
    • If YOU are not currently a member of LBSB CAMFT, we welcome you to do so HERE. For a brief snapshot of the benefits of membership, see below!


    State CAMFT Announcements

    The April Newsletter is up! Click HERE to learn the latest from CAMFT.


    State CAMFT Newsletters


    Upcoming CAMFT Law & Ethics Webinars


    "Law and Ethics: Working with Minor Clients: Prepare for Success and Avoid the Pitfalls"


    Presenter: Alain Montgomery JD, CAMFT Staff Attorney


    Friday, September 19, 2025 at 9:00am


    Register HERE for the September Webinar


    Congress is discussing possible Medi-Caid/Medi-Cal cuts to health care.  As you are likely aware, Medicaid/Medi-Cal is a vital program that provides over 72 million Americans health care coverage, including mental health care.  

    If you do see Medi-Caid/Cal patients, we are asking you to take a short survey here to help us better understand how potential funding cuts could impact the population you serve.


    California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) Responds to Recent Executive Orders

    Click HERE to view the statement in full

    CAMFT has created a Members-Only page dedicated to the impact of executive orders, found HERE



    Legislation Corner

    California law recognizes associates and trainees as eligible healthcare providers to treat mental health and substance use disorder (MHSUD) issues. However, some commercial health plans are still prohibiting the billing of MHSUD services for associates and trainees in their policies and contracts. 

    State CAMFT is looking to share specific language in your contracts or contracted health plan’s policies that prohibit the utilization of associates and trainees with the Department of Managed Health Care leadership to ensure all plans cover and reimburse MHSUD services rendered by all qualified eligible providers.

    Please take a few minutes to complete this feedback form and share your experience on this issue. 


    The federal Department of Labor is working to conduct parity investigations to ensure insurance companies are covering medically necessary treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders as required by Senate Bill 855 and implementing regulations.

    They are looking to talk with California-based providers about United Healthcare’s networking practices and parity items. If you have experience working with United Healthcare and wish to participate in these investigations, please email Lauren Finke at lauren@thekennedyforum.org.


    The window to apply for a grant for student loan repayment through the Licensed Mental Health Services Provider Education Program (LMH) opens on May 1, 2025 and closes on June 13, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

    More information can be found at https://hcai.ca.gov/workforce/financial-assistance/loan-repayment/lmhspep/ or by calling (916) 326-3700 or email HWDD-LRP@hcai.ca.gov.

    LMFTs have the option to opt in, opt out, or take no action regarding Medicare.

    If you haven’t checked your Medicare status recently, now is the time! Some providers are now 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. 

    Visit CAMFT Medicare Corner to learn more.


    The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has posted its 2025 Sunset Review Report!

    This comprehensive report highlights the Board's key accomplishments over the last four years and provides valuable insights into the ongoing work being done. Take a moment to explore how the Board has been making a difference for consumers and licensees!

    2025 Sunset Review Report: Click HERE

    Click the image below to view the latest issue of the CA BBS Newsletter


    Tip: click on the image below and scroll to page 2 for FAQs on the changes to Supervision & License Display requirements


    • Click HERE for the latest legislative updates from State CAMFT
    • Click HERE for the latest from State CAMFT's advocacy Action Center

    The Board of Behavioral Sciences has updated its FAQs for Associates (and MFT Trainees). This includes the addition of the following Q&As:

          • Can a Trainee or Associate who is traveling out-of-state provide services to a client in California and can I count those hours toward
            licensure?
          • Can I count supervised experience gained in another state toward California licensure?
          • Can I count supervised experience gained in California toward licensure in another state?
          • How can I avoid losing experience hours as a registrant?
          • How can I avoid losing experience hours after applying for licensure?

    Below are links to the updated FAQ documents:
    https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/asw_faq.pdf
    https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/pcci_faq.pdf
    https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/mft_faq.pdf

    Sponsors






    Member Announcements


    If you are an actively registered Member of LBSB CAMFT, you have the opportunity to market yourself, your events, your space, and positions you are hiring for or seeking for FREE! To submit an ad to be posted in M2M, send an email to our Marketing Director, Claire Morrison, at marketing@lbsbcamft.org with a photo and/or brief text and any links to be shared and it will be posted in our next two M2M emails. To apply for membership, click here.

    If you would like to have an email sent out specifically dedicated to your ad/business, please email our President, Chris McKnight, about setting up a sponsored e-blast. She can be reached via email at president@lbsbcamft.org. This is a great way to further LBSB CAMFT's mission of supporting local therapists by providing learning and community-building opportunities.

    M2M & Sponsored e-blasts are sent out to over 1,100 people! Contact us today to set up your advertisement.

    Announcements from Members and Sponsors are approved for posting by the Board but do not constitute endorsement and may not reflect the opinions of LBSB CAMFT.

    How to Submit to M2M

    • M2M emails go out weekly on Mondays
    • Please submit info in brief text format by the Sunday afternoon prior to the desired posting of your submission
    • A flyer in jpg or png format can also be submitted and a link will be added to the photo, if provided
    • For more details on how to request an M2M (members only) or e-blast advertisement available to members & non-members), see our full guidelines, which can be found here 
    • Please send M2M submissions to marketing@lbsbcamft.org
    • Please send requests for sponsored e-blasts to president@lbsbcamft.org

    We look forward to hearing from you. All feedback is welcomed and appreciated.


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