We want to thank our amazing volunteers for the month of November:
Carolyn Nelson
Nancy McClymont
Letter from the Board
January 1, 2018
Hello {Contact_First_Name} {Contact_Last_Name},
I would like to start by expressing my gratitude for the privilege to serve you all in 2018. When I began volunteering with SVC-CAMFT last year, I was looking for an outlet that would allow me to contribute to the advancement of our profession and a way to stay connected with my fellow therapists in the community. SVC-CAMFT provided me with this outlet and also gave me the opportunity to be surrounded by a wonderful network of passionate and intelligent professionals. Serving on the SVC-CAMFT board allowed me to be part of a team that is dedicated to creating and maintaining a positive environment that encourages growth as individuals and professionals through the connections to the issues that are impacting our profession as well as new advancements in the field.
2017 was a very successful year for the board in general and the programs committee in particular. We had two 6 CE workshops and a two-day, 12 CE Law and Ethics workshop. The programs calendar of 2017 allowed us to have a 59% increase in income from all events we hosted. Furthermore, due to the amazing work of our committee chairs, staff, and volunteers, we were able to accomplish the following:
The addition of 30 new members which brings us to nearly 300 members
The attendance rate of our clinical workshops was increased by 64%. The average number of attendees in our 2017 workshops was 60 participants
The addition of 25 new participants at the 3000 Club which is a 51% increase from 2016
In addition to delivering an outstanding program of clinical presentations and increasing the membership of our chapter, the board managed to create a dynamic, strategic plan for 2018 that is aimed at increasing the chapter’s impact on the community and expanding the types of services that we offer for our members. One of the highlights of the strategic plan include our First Annual Mental Health Job Fair, which will take place on March 24th, 2018.
I want to give a special thanks to all SVC-CAMFT board members, committee chairs, volunteers, and staff that made our 2017 success possible. I also want to thank you, dear members, for all of your contributions and feedback which has allowed SVC-CAMFT to continue its growth and its mission to serve for the past 46 years.
The board and I are looking forward to a very productive year in which we can add more value to your membership in the organization and create a bigger footprint in the community we serve. We are very eager to start working on the strategic plan initiatives and to see our hard planning come to fruition with your help and support. Don't forget to come to our Annual Membership Meeting on January 26th, before the workshop.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Talal Alsaleem, LMFT
President-Elect: VACANT
Past President: VACANT
Secretary: Adriana Joyner, LMFT
Treasurer: Pate DuBois, AMFT Program Co-Chairs: Susan Martin, Trainee VACANT
3000 Club Chair: Suzy Lee, LMFT
Volunteer Chair: VACANT
Membership Chair: Jessica Wolff, LMFT
Sponsorship Chair: Marti McClellan-Morehouse
2018 Board Election
2018 Election is complete
We are still looking for a President Elect if you are interested please email info@svccamft.org
The new 2018 SVC-CAMFT Treasurer is Pate DuBois
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And our Re-elected Secretary for 2018 is Adriana Joyner
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Also joining us this year as Sponsorship Chair is Marti McClellan-Morehouse, LMFT
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We still are looking for a President-Elect, Volunteer Chair and Program Co-Chair and also committee members for several committees including the Sponsorship Committee, Programs Committee, Bylaws Committee, Membership Committee, Nomination Committee, Finance Committee, and Ethics Committee. We also need volunteers for short term projects or workshops
Implementation of Title Change (“Intern” to “Associate”)
Marriage and Family Therapist Interns and Professional Clinical Counselor Interns
Effective January 1, 2018
Effective January 1, 2018, the titles for marriage and family therapist interns and professional clinical counselor interns will change, as follows:
Marriage and family therapist registrants must use the title “Associate Marriage and Family Therapist” or “Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.”
Professional clinical counselor registrants must use the title “Associate Professional Clinical Counselor” or “Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor.”
The Board is also in the process of proposing corresponding changes to its advertising regulations, which would permit certain specified abbreviations to be used in a registrant’s advertising. These regulations are currently moving through the approval process. Once they are approved, the Board will post further notification and instructions on its web site.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the Board of Behavioral Sciences (Board) Changing the “Intern” Titles for MFT and PCC Registrants?
Stakeholders and registrants voiced concerns that the “intern” title for MFT and PCC registrants may not be an accurate representation of their post-master’s degree status. After discussing the issue, the Board decided that the “intern” title may be more socially understood as referring to someone who is in school, causing consumers to discount the credibility of MFT and PCC interns based on their title. In addition, the Board found evidence that some other states and professions are moving away from the use of the “intern” title for post-graduates. Therefore, it sponsored legislation to make this change (SB 1478, Chapter 489, Statutes of 2016).
Use of the “associate” title also brings MFT and PCC registrants in line with social work registrants, who already use the “associate” title.
2. Why isn’t this Change Effective Right Away?
Delaying the effective date of the change allows registrants who are planning business card orders, or purchasing advertising, time to become aware of the change and act accordingly. It also allows the Board time to conduct outreach.
3. Can I use the “Associate” Title Prior to January 1, 2018?
No. Until January 1, 2018, MFT and PCC registrants are to use the “intern” title.
4. May I use the Title “Marriage and Family Therapist Associate,” “MFTI,” or “Professional Clinical Counselor Associate,” or “PCCI” Instead?
No. The law does not recognize these titles. Acceptable titles are specified above.
5. Are the Titles for MFT Trainees and PCC Trainees Changing as Well?
No. The titles for trainees are not changing at this time.
6. I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker. Do These Changes Affect Me?
Social work registrants are keeping the “associate” title and are not affected.
Sex Addiction in the Digital Age: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment (6CEs)
Presenter: Robert Weiss LCSW, CSAT-S
Robert Weiss gave a dynamic presentation on Sex Addiction. Starting with the escalating speed of "current" technological change and how it affects our "realities". He discussed that infidelity is no longer just physical but keeping secrets in an intimate relationship. We can also use technology to heal through Tele-meetings, online 12-step chats, face to face skype meetings, virtual reality and rooms.com. Through role play and other vignettes, Mr. Weiss was able to bring sex addiction to life and help us see what it would look like if the issue came into our office.
With humor and discussing his own personal struggles, Robert Weiss covered topics such as diagnosis and lack of diagnostic nomenclature, negative moral views, sex negative bias, addiction, sexual sobriety and treatment steps. He covered a lot more and I left feeling like I had a much better understanding of sex addiction, while still wanting to learn more.
January Events
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING & AGENDA
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SVC-CAMFT MEMBERSHIP
January 26, 2018 - 9:00 AM Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Item I.
Call To Order
Item II.
Welcome and Annual Report
Item III.
Budget
Item IV.
Committee Report(s)
Item V.
Old Business
1) Announcement of Election Results
2) Presentation of New Board Members
Item VI.
New Business
Item VII.
Open Forum
Item VIII.
Call to Close
JANUARY WORKSHOP
Topic: What EVERY Therapist Should Know About Insurance -- Even if You Want Nothing to Do With It Presenter: Barbara Griswold, LMFT Date: Friday, January 26, 2018 Time: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Location: Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (map)
Doors Open at 8:30AM Networking starts at 8:30 AM Annual Membership Meeting Starts at 9:00 AM
This program will benefit LMFT, LPCC, LEP and LCSW licensees and pre licensees by assisting them to be able to identify legal and ethical issues that relate to insurance and documentation, including confidentiality concerns and insurance fraud. A knowledge of how insurance works can also help the licensee advocate on the client's behalf with the plan.
Includes: Continental Breakfast, Soft Taco Lunch Buffet, afternoon drinks and snacks and meets the qualifications for 6 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Sacramento Valley Chapter of California Marriage and Family Therapist CAMFT CEPA CE Provider #62279 CE Credit will be awarded after the completion of the course via email. No CEs will be awarded to persons arriving late or leaving early. Partial CE credit will not be awarded.
Workshop Information:
The Affordable Care Act brought coverage to millions of previously uninsured clients, and led Medi-Cal to open the door to MFTs and interns. But therapists are also experiencing increasing treatment reviews and records requests -- even out of network therapists. How might these and other changes in the insurance world affect you and your practice? Is a private-pay only practice possible? Discover what every therapist should know about insurance, even if you never join an insurance plan, including how to keep new clients even when you aren't on their plan, a strategy for getting in the door at "full" insurance plans, the 13 essential questions to ask when checking coverage, and the secret to getting more treatment approved. We'll discuss tips to avoid costly denials, including what should go on your claims and superbills/invoices. This workshop will help you make your services more accessible to clients of all socioeconomic backgrounds, and help you successfully advocate for your clients with insurance.
Some of the many topics covered: ♣ HMOs, EPOs, PPOs, and POSs – What’s the Difference, and Why it Matters ♣ Provider Choices: Network Providers vs. Out-of-Network Providers ♣ How to Get on Insurance Plans -- What They Are Looking For ♣ Update on Recent Changes in the Insurance World ♣ Medi-Cal Now Open to MFTs and Interns ♣ The Pros and Cons of Accepting Insurance ♣ Out of Network Providers -- What You Need to Know ♣ How to Keep Clients Even if You Aren't in Their Network ♣ Our Biggest Fears about Working with Insurance: Myth or Reality? ♣ Couples/Family Therapy Billing ♣ Surviving Treatment Reviews: How to Address Medical Necessity Criteria ♣ What Insurance Plans Expect in Your Progress Notes ♣ Checking Coverage: 13 Essential Questions You Must Ask to Avoid Denials ♣ How to Fill Out a Claim Form, and Avoid Common Claims Mistakes ♣ What Should Be on Your Invoice/Superbill ♣ Confidentiality Issues when Using Insurance ♣ Insurance Fraud: Common Billing Practices that are actually Fraud
Describe the different types of insurance plans and define basic insurance terms and concepts, enabling the participant to educate clients about how these benefits and limitations impact treatment.
Identify the most common provider mistake that leads to treatment disruption and claim denials
Identify the elements of medical necessity criteria, and how to document the medical necessity of treatment
Presenter Bio: Barbara Griswold, MFT, is the author of Navigating the Insurance Maze: The Therapist's Complete Guide to Working with Insurance -- And Whether You (www.theinsurancemaze.com). In private practice in San Jose, CA, she provides phone consultations to therapists nationwide with insurance questions or problems, and invites you to subscribe to her free e-mail newsletter on this topic. Barbara is a proud 29 year member of CAMFT, and has served on the CAMFT Board of Directors and State Ethics Committee, and is a past BBS Orals Examiner.
2018 Licensed, Associate or Affiliate Member of SVC-CAMFT: $85
2018 Pre-Licensed Member of SVC-CAMFT : $65
Non-Member: $105
Registration Ends Thursday, January 25, 2018
Walk-in Registration on the day of the event is an additional $5 and is not guaranteed and is based upon availability.
For information on joining SVC-CAMFT or renewing your membership for 2018 please email: info@svccamft.org
Registration Policy Effective January 1, 2018 SVC-CAMFT event registration must be paid online except with prior approval. Registration dates and fees may vary and are subject to change without notice. Event discounts prices and discount periods may or may not be offered. Event registration is deemed complete during the registration period in which registration payment is received. Incomplete or unpaid registration will be cancelled and removed at the end of each registration period.
Refund Policy Cancellations received more than 7 days prior to an event may be subject to an administrative fee to cover costs of the initial transaction. No shows, failure to attend, and cancellations 7 or fewer days prior to an event for any reason are non-refundable, including registrations received fewer than 7 days prior to an event. No credit, refunds, or price adjustments will be given for typographical advertisement errors. A $25 fee in addition to the registration fee will be charged for insufficient funds, denied credit cards, or charge-backs. By registering for the event you agree to the terms of the Refund Policy.
Special Feature (If you would like your article published in our newsletter please email info@svccamft.org)
CD-10 Diagnosis Codes Changed Again October 1, 2017
By Barbara Griswold, LMFT
Yes, it happened again: Some of the ICD-10 diagnostic codes you find in the DSM-5 that we use every day on invoices and claims changed as part of their annual update. While officially called the 2018 codes, took effect on October 1, 2017. All healthcare providers must use these codes in documentation and for insurance billing, whether they contract with insurance or not.
ICD-10 (International Classification of Diagnosis) codes are associated with DSM-5 diagnoses. Updates are typically made yearly to provide greater”diagnostic specificity” — to communicate more information with the code, or to separate it from another diagnosis that shares the same code. In the new 2018 codes, for example, a client actively abusing alcohol no longer has the same code as a client in remission. This might affect the number of sessions allotted by a health plan before a treatment review is triggered, since reviews are often triggered if the treatment frequency and type seems inappropriate to the diagnosis.
This year’s code changes in mental health are almost all in the area of substance use disorders, including tobacco use. New codes have been added for clients in early or sustained remission of each severity level of the disorder (mild, moderate, or severe). In addition, the code for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder has changed.
For an easy-to-print table with old and new codes,click here
Did you miss last year’s code changes? To view my article on last year’s code updates, which included changes in the codes for frequently-used diagnoses such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Hoarding Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Skin Picking, various eating disorders including Binge-Eating Disorder, and Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents and Adults, click here
Tip: due to these updates, the codes printed in your DSM-5 are out of date for these diagnoses. Take a minute and update your DSM-5 with the new codes.
Barbara Griswold, M.S., is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the author of Navigating the Insurance Maze: The Therapist’s Complete Guide to Working with Insurance – And Whether You Should. She has over 25 years’ experience as a provider for more than 20 insurance networks. In addition to her private practice in San Jose, California, she provides consultations (in-person, or via phone or email) to therapists nationwide with insurance questions and problems, and presents to therapist groups on the ins and outs of working with insurance. She publishes a free monthly e-newsletter called “What Every Therapist Should Know About Insurance,” and assists therapists in writing targeted “managed care resumes” to increase their chances of being accepted when applying to insurance networks. Barbara previously served as Orals Examiner for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, and on the Board of Directors and Ethics Committee for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. To view her complete resume, click here
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The views expressed in the Special Feature Articles do not necessarily reflect the Sacramento Valley Chapter of CAMFT or CAMFT. They should be understood as the personal opinions of the author. No information in this article will be understood as official. Other views and commentary are welcome and will be published as long as they are respectful and stick to the topic.
Letters to the Editor
Welcome to the Letters to the editor Section. We want to hear what you want to say about SVC-CAMFT, CAMFT, current events and issues. Please see below guidelines on submitting a letter.
We Have No Letters to the Editor! Let your voice be heard! Write a letter to the editor!
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Letters to the Editor Guidelines
You must be a current SVC-CAMFT member.
You cannot be a SVC-CAMFT board member or employee.
It must be no more than 250 words.
You must send in your full name so I can verify that you are a member.
If you wish your name not to be published please indicate.
Any letter published without a name will be listed as Anonymous MFT or Anonymous pre-license or Anonymous Associate
All letters must be respectful and without inappropriate words or phrases including name calling.
If you do not get a response back within 2 days that it has been received please email back.
ALL LETTERS RECEIVED WILL RECEIVE A RESPONSE THAT IT HAS BEEN RECEIVED AND WILL BE IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER.
If there is a problem with the letter (language, misspellings, length or appropriateness) you will receive an email back with the reason for the rejection and a chance to fix the problem and send it back in.
Psyched about Books and Movies
Welcome to "Psyched about Books and Movies!" Each month we include a book or movie review by one of our readers. Please see below guidelines on submitting a review.
Title: Missing Father
Author: Shauna L. Smith
Copyright: 2017, Shauna L. Smith, Compassion Press Reviewer: Heather Blessing, LMFT Review: Shauna Smith writes about her life growing up in the 40s and 50s with a father who is bipolar and a mother who has her own issues. Her story will help the reader really feel the turmoil of living with someone struggling with a mental illness, including how a child struggles with their limited understanding of what is going on. I was brought to tears many times as I felt like I was right there living in her life. This is a very good book for a therapist to read to really understand how a family can be affected by mental illness.
Book/Movie Review Submission Policy
All reviews are not to exceed 1000 key strokes. Your review should include the title, a short synopsis about why you like or dislike it, and the author’s name & publication date.You can also include a picture of the book and/or movie. After review, we will publish your review in our next newsletter. Reviews submitted that are longer than 1000 characters will be returned for editing. It is best to type your review in a Microsoft Word document to note how many key strokes (characters with spaces), how big your review is, and for your own record keeping. You can then copy and paste it into the online submission form located here (http://www.svccamft.org/Newsletter.html) To learn more about checking your review for key strokes, spelling grammar and size click below: (http://www.svccamft.org/How_to_check_review_in_microsoft_word.doc).
It is your responsibility to check for spelling and grammar errors. Reviews must be received by the 20th of the month in order to appear in the next newsletter.
You can submit your review by: Visiting our webpage: www.svccamft.org
Mailing it in: P.O. Box 163385, Sacramento, CA 95816
Paid Internships Listing Provided by:
Prelicensed is a free resource for MFT registered interns, trainees, and students in California. We offer numerous services that are designed to help you prepare and prevail over the course of your journey to licensure
For more job listings and other free resources, visit Prelicensed!
Advertising and Announcements
REPRESENTING VICTIMS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Law Offices of Joseph C. George, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist (PSY 7480) Attorney at Law (SBN 119231) Free consultation. Website: www.psyclaw.com Telephone: 916.641.7300
Advertising Policy for the Newsletter
All ads and reviews are not to exceed 1000 key strokes. Chapter members advertise at no cost. Non-members can advertise about employment opportunities at no cost. Non-members, non employment-related ads follow these rates:
$10 for 200 key strokes
$20 for 201-600 key strokes
$30 for 601-1000 key strokes
Full page and ½ page ads are not accepted.
All ads contain text only; no graphics will be included.
Ads submitted that are longer than 1000 characters will be returned for editing. It is best to type your ad in a Microsoft Word document to note how many characters, how big your ad is, and for your own record keeping. Please visit our site to find more information on how to use Microsoft word for editing. You can then copy and paste it on our online submission form located here (http://www.svccamft.org/Newsletter.html)
It is your responsibility to check for spelling and grammar errors.
Ads must be received by the 25th of the month in order to appear in the next newsletter. Ads are placed in the order that they are received.
SVC-CAMFT Contact us mail: P.O. Box 163385, Sacramento, CA 95816 Phone: (916) 597-0811 Email: info@svccamft.org We are on the Web! www.svccamft.org To post to the listserve, please email to: info@svccamft.org
You are receiving this newsletter because you are member of Sacramento Valley Chapter of CAMFT.
Newsletter Editor: Heather Blessing, MA, LMFT
