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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. 

    Join us on October 31st in Palos Verdes for a presentation with Cherie Harper, LMFT: Therapeutic Approaches for Managing Clients with Chronic Mental Illness



    Join LBSB CAMFT for our annual Holiday Party on Friday, December 12th at R&R Health in Redondo Beach! Read the flyers below to learn more about the event and how to donate for and participate in a self-care basket drawing! Register HERE!


    Events on the Horizon from

    LBSB CAMFT & State CAMFT
    (subject to change)

    Friday, October 17th - CAMFT Fall Symposium (Marriott Long Beach Downtown) - Use code FSCHAPTER through 10/13 for $20 off!

    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

    Friday, December 12th - LBSB CAMFT Holiday Party (In-Person at R&R Health in Redondo Beach) Register HERE

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




    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.

    The Leadership Bulletin
     
    Reminders & Announcements from the Leadership Team

    New in M2M this week:

    • A new letter from the President
    • The registration page for our annual Holiday Party is live!! Scroll down for more info and register HERE!

    Letter from the President
    October 13, 2025

    Greetings Friends and Colleagues,

    I hope you’re all doing well as we adjust to the change in weather! I’m still catching glimpses of summer heat, but there’s also that cool morning breeze along the beach. Hopefully school schedules are settling down and everyone’s finding their rhythm—whether that means quiet study evenings or simply a little peace at home.

    At our meeting last Friday, one of our student sponsors shared about her research study, which has been posted on our platforms (you can check it out below). I hope some of you will take a few minutes to support her by completing the questionnaire and contributing to her data collection. She’s working so hard! I know many of us remember those hectic days of balancing school, accruing hours, and chasing licensure. We got through it—and now, for some, it’s about finding balance and working toward a comfortable retirement. I applaud all of you who have made it through those demanding years, as well as those who are now in a place where late nights are optional instead of required.

    In connecting with local organizations and private practices, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many wise and dedicated owners, partners, and founders. A common thread emerged: many of them had similar questions about growth, structure, and support. I realized it might be helpful to bring these leaders together to share ideas and insights. I’ve reached out to gauge interest in forming a Master Mind group for business owners and group practice founders. If that sounds like you, please reach out—I’d love for you to be part of it.

    Our October 10th event went very well! We had about an even split between virtual and in-person attendees. The topic was fascinating and highly relevant to clinical work related to sexual concerns in therapy. If you’re a member, I encourage you to visit our LBSB CAMFT website and check out the event recording or explore the library of past monthly events. While these recordings don’t provide CE credit, they’re a great resource for continued learning and curiosity. October marked our final monthly event for 2025, though we still have one last in-person event on October 31st on treating the chronically mentally ill. You can read more about the topic and its objectives on our website as well.

    Our Director of Membership recently held the first of what we hope will be many Walk & Connect gatherings on October 11th. Attendance was small this time—about five participants—but we hope more will join in as the group grows! The weather is perfect for an afternoon walk, and even if you forget to register, it’s always okay to just show up and join in.

    The Job Posting page is now live on our LBSB website! If you have a job opening at your business or organization, please take advantage of this free benefit for members. Listings are open for the public to view, so your posting will reach a wide audience beyond the chapter community.

    As we approach the end of 2025, I’d like to take a moment to recognize our Sponsors who have financially supported the LBSB CAMFT Chapter this year. Each sponsor is featured on our website’s acknowledgments page, and I encourage you to take a look. Their generosity helps make it possible for us to bring in excellent presenters, maintain high-quality CE programming, and continue to serve clinicians at all stages of their professional journey.

    This year was our first offering hybrid CE events, and I want to thank everyone who attended in person or joined virtually. It’s been wonderful reconnecting after years of isolation and distancing. Meeting many of you in person—sharing a continental breakfast and conversation—was truly rewarding. We plan to continue hybrid offerings, knowing that flexibility allows more people to participate, whether you’re local or simply eager to learn. Our community is growing quickly, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!

    I also want to mention that LBSB CAMFT will be hosting a table at the Fall Symposium on October 17th. You can visit the CAMFT website to learn more about the workshop topics and register. If you attend, please stop by our table! Pick up a brochure, learn about membership benefits, or just come introduce yourself—we’d love to meet you. If you register by today, 10/13, use code FSCHAPTER to get $20 off your registration!

    As a reminder, CAMFT will host a Law and Ethics Webinar on November 14th, which will include key information for clinicians who work with Medi-Cal. Chapter members receive a discount for this event, and registration is available through the CAMFT website.

    Lastly, registration is open for our LBSB CAMFT Holiday Event on December 12th! You can find details and register on the LBSB website, or on our Facebook and Instagram pages (also accessible through the icons on our home page). A big thank-you to our Director of Communications, Yesenia, for her ongoing work to bring events and announcements to life on social media!

    And finally, I’m thrilled to share that we’ve added a new member to our leadership team: Brenda Grow, who will be joining as our Promotions Team Assistant! We’ll be meeting for her orientation next week. Brenda brings a wealth of technological know-how and experience, and I’m so excited to welcome her aboard. She’s an AMFT and runs her own practice—check out her website at therapybybrenda.com. Her husband is also an AMFT! Can you imagine their schedules? Brenda’s passion for connection and organization will be such an asset to our team, and I can’t wait for you all to meet her!

    Thank you once again for taking the time to read my letter. I truly appreciate your continued engagement and support. If you have feedback or something you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out using my contact information below.

    Warmly,

    Chris McKnight, M.A., LMFT
    President, LBSB Chapter of CAMFT
    (310) 529-3011

    president@lbsbcamft.org
    www.lbsbcamft.org


    Member Benefits

    Coming soon to your member benefits: The LBSB Job Board! Are you a member with a job opening to offer at your practice, facility or organization? We want to connect you with community members seeking traineeships, associate or licensed positions. Click here to add your job listing!

    Not a member? Apply here to take advantage of this opportunity!

    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!

    If YOU are not a current member of LBSB CAMFT, we welcome you to read the image below and check out the benefits of membership HERE.

    • 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!


    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


    State CAMFT Announcements

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


    State CAMFT Newsletters

    • Chapter members will receive $20 off the registration fee if they register for the Fall Symposium by October 13

      • The Fall Symposium will take place on October 17 at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown
      • With the Chapter member discount, you will pay only $255, instead of $275
      • To receive the discount, use code FSCHAPTER

        Already registered?
      • No problem — call the info center at 858-292-2638 to request your $20 refund

    Need more information?

    Click here for more information on the Fall Symposium and to register

    DID YOU KNOW: CAMFT has annual Scholarships and Grants you may be eligible for!
    Click HERE to learn more about them!

    The Scholarship Committee will begin reviewing nominations after the deadline date of November 7, 2025. Recipients will be notified April 1, 2026.


    Help Provide Information: Medi-Cal Enrollment Issue for Nonprofits Rendering Psychotherapy Services

    • 501(c)(3) nonprofit community counseling centers, health centers, mental health agencies, and health clinics that primarily provide psychotherapy (known as non-specialty mental health services) for mild to moderate conditions are getting their applications for Medi-Cal enrollment denied.
    • As a result, they are unable to bill and get reimbursed for rendered psychotherapy services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries
    • CAMFT is looking to gather more information on the scope of the issue and how these application denials are impacting these organizations.
    • Please share this feedback form with nonprofit organizations that provide psychotherapy services and are experiencing enrollment and reimbursement issues with the Medi-Cal program. 



    "Law and Ethics: Updates and Resources for Medi-Cal Providers"

    Presenter: Sara Jasper, JD, CAMFT Staff Attorney

    Friday, November 14, 2025 at 9:00am

    Register HERE for the November Webinar


    Legislation Corner

    PROPOSED FEE REDUCTION
    The Board of Behavioral Sciences has released a Notice of Proposed Action to amend Title 16, California Code of Regulations (16 CCR) sections 1816, 1816.1, 1816.2, and 1816.4.


    This proposal would set a fee for renewal, application for registration, initial license issuance, law and ethics examination, LMFT clinical examination, LEP written examination and application for licensure that is 50% of the current established fee. These reduced fees would be in place from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.

    The Board will accept written comments regarding the proposal until November 3, 2025. The documents detailing the changes, as well as instructions for providing comments, can be accessed HERE

    Important Update - Due to ongoing questions, BBS has updated the 90-Day Rule FAQ to help clarify and answer common concerns. Please take a moment to review the revised document in the link below from the Boards website.

    Supervisors: Be sure to review the FAQ carefully to fully understand the requirements for supervisees who plan to count hours earned between their graduation date and the date they receive their registration number.

    90 Day Rule FAQ: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/90day_rule.pdf

    The Board of Behavioral Sciences announced a new Listserv Subscriber list for supervisors! By joining, supervisors will receive updates, resources, and important information on all things related to supervision. Stay connected and informed—subscribe today by clicking HERE


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

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


    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


    Sponsor Annoucements

    Re: Examining the Role of Empathy and Burnout among Mental Health Providers in Locked Forensic Settings: An exploration of Gender and Length of Time in the Field 

    To Whom it May Concern:

    I am writing to notify you of an opportunity to participate in a research study examining the role of empathy and burnout in mental health professionals who work in locked forensic setting. This study is being conducted by Iliana Rendon, a doctoral student at the Chicago School, Los Angeles.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    •  Individuals who worked in locked forensic settings.
    • Individuals who are mental health professionals.
    • Mental health professionals who identify as male or female.

    During this study, you will be asked to complete 2 surveys: one survey on empathy and one survey on burnout. You will also be asked to complete a demographic questionnaire. This will take about 30 minutes to complete. The study will take place online via SurveyMonkey. This study can only be conducted once.

    To confirm eligibility, consent to participate, and begin the study, please click the link below:

    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WHBSPNS

    If you are interested or have any questions about this study, please email:

    Iliana Rendon (Principal Investigator) at  irendon@ego.thechicagoschool.edu

    Dr. Adare Toral (Dissertation Chair) at  atoral@thechicagoschool.edu


    IRB-FY25-377

    Thank you for your time and consideration toward this research opportunity.


    Hi!

    I am an AMFT seeking supervision in private practice. I am looking to start teletherapy immediately and expand into possible hybrid work in the Long Beach area in December.

    Let's Connect!

    -Krista Rae
    krista.13rae@gmail.com

    707-217-5935

    Instagram: @kristaraemft

     


    Considering becoming a sponsor? Click HERE to learn more!

    Disclaimer: Sponsor announcements have been reviewed and approved for posting by the LBSB CAMFT Leadership Team. However, it does not represent the official views, positions, or endorsements of the Chapter.

    Member Announcements

    Office Space Available in Torrance

    Beautiful office with faux hardwood floors and a view of Palos Verdes is available now. Fifth floor of a very well maintained office building, in a six office suite. easy parking, right across from the Del Amo Mall. Large shared waiting room and kitchen. Friendly, professional group of therapists.

    Please contact Mindy Fox, LMFT by email mindy@mindyfoxtherapy.com or phone/text  310-314-6933.


    SOUTH BAY THERAPISTS PARTY

    Friday, October 24 from 4 - 7pm

    Hennessey's Tavern (Hermosa Beach Pier)


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    Come join us for this casual get-together of therapists to socialize, get out of our offices & support each other in the challenging work we do – with real live people, not via Zoom! Those of you who joined us at a previous party know how much FUN we have at these very lively get-togethers so come reconnect with friends and colleagues you haven’t seen in a while as well as meeting some new folks. You don’t even need to RSVP, just show up.

    If there are others you would like to invite, feel free to let them know - the more therapists the better! Hennessey's sets up a large area for us so there's room for everyone. More info at: https://www.facebook.com/events/956924216580479

    As a THANK YOU to all my therapist friends and colleagues, Davis Mediation will be picking up the tab for all the appetizers - all you need to cover are your drinks (there will be a cash basket and my Venmo is barrydavis22).


    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 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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