President's Message

Dear Sacramento Valley Chapter Community,

As we move into this new season, I find myself deeply grateful for the energy, generosity, and connection that define our chapter. Over the past few months, it has been inspiring to see so many of you show up—not only for our in-person events, but also for one another. Each gathering has been a reminder of the strength of our local community of therapists and the value of creating spaces where we can learn, grow, and recharge together.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated board members and volunteers. Your time, creativity, and commitment are what make this chapter thrive. None of our programs, events, or networking opportunities would be possible without you. To our members and colleagues who continue to engage with us, your presence and contributions help create the robust and supportive network that we are so fortunate to have here in Sacramento.

It’s not lost on me how special it is to belong to a community of professionals who are not only committed to their own growth but also to uplifting one another. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more connected future for mental health in our region—and that is something to celebrate.

With gratitude,

Chad Fraga, LMFT

President, Sacramento Valley Chapter of CAMFT 2025

Chapter News

First of all, we would like to introduce you to the newest members of our 2025 board of directors since our spring newsletter:

• Roque Neto -- Program Co-Chair
• Iris McAlpin-- Program Co-Chair
• Jennifer Flood -- Sponsorship Chair

*For the complete board list, check out our page 2025 board! 

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Our chapter has kept going strong as we continue the year. We have had the joy of hosting numerous continuing education events, both online and in-person, and we have continued with our membership meet ups every other month. 

Our peer consultation group now has two different options, thanks to our incredible members who were willing to volunteer. For those who are prelicensed, our 3000 Club has a monthly support group as well as regular clinical skills workshops. This year, we have also added a virtual member book club where we have a chance to gather and discuss topics that support us in our practice.

Our chapter exists to help you find community as well as connect with other marriage and family therapists in the region. We strive to help you along your professional journey by providing opportunities for learning, networking, and growth. Whether you’re just starting your professional journey or a seasoned provider, we are here for you!

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Peer Consultation Group Schedule:

Peer consultation groups currently meet online via Zoom. Our evening peer consultation group meets monthly on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:00pm. Our morning peer consultation group meets monthly on the third Thursday from 9-11am.

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Prelicensed Support Group Schedule:

Prelicensed support group meets monthly on the second Thursday of every month at Pachamama (919 20th Street; Sacramento, CA) at 10am. 

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Book Club Updates:

Our Member Book Club will be starting our final book for the 2025 year: Homecoming: Healing Trauma to Reclaim Your Authentic Self by Thema Bryant, PhD. Join us as we explore Dr. Thema Bryant’s work and learn about healing, connecting with your community, and feeling a deeper sense of purpose. To be mindful of the holidays, our book club will meet on the first Friday of October and November from 4-5:30pm as we dive into our last book for this year.

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Check out the fun we’ve had at recent events!

Christina (Diversity Chair) & Allison (Treasurer) representing our chapter at the 2025 CAMFT Conference. Thank you to all who visited our table!

Photos from our Multicultural Picnic at William Land Park in August, thank you to all who joined us for delicious food and memorable time together!

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Volunteer Opportunities

We can’t do it without you! If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out and let us know-- we have a variety of opportunities from assisting with facilitating book clubs, support with exam prep groups, providing workshops on your areas of expertise, administrative tasks, and more! Contact us at sacramentocamft@gmail.com for more information and to be connected with our Volunteer Chair!

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https://www.bbs.ca.gov/updates_faqs/updates.html

Member Spotlight

Hi, I’m Nicole, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Sacramento, specializing in TEAM-CBT, an evidence-based, results-driven approach to therapy. My passion for mental health isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. I know firsthand what it’s like to lose someone I love to suicide, and that experience has shaped my commitment to helping others navigate the depths of pain, self-doubt, and emotional struggle. I believe in compassion, deep healing, and real results. Everyone deserves more than just coping—they deserve the skills to rewrite their inner story and create a life that feels fulfilling and true to them. Outside of therapy, you’ll likely find me running on local trails, diving into a new psychology book, or spending time with family and friends. I love connecting with other therapists and supporting our community, so if you’re reading this, let’s connect!

Advice for Readers

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it’s also one of the most empowering steps you can take for yourself. If you’re considering it, give yourself permission to be a beginner. You don’t have to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out—your therapist will guide you. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you; it’s about helping you understand yourself, develop tools, and create a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

My biggest advice? Find a therapist you feel comfortable with. Therapy works best when you feel safe, seen, and heard. If the first person you meet with doesn’t feel like the right fit, it’s okay to keep looking— it’s not a one-size-fits-all process.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Good Mental Health in Everyday Life: Check in with yourself daily. Just like we check our phones or emails, take a moment to notice how you’re feeling. Ask yourself: What do I need right now? Set boundaries and honor them. Whether it’s saying no without guilt, limiting social media, or creating time for rest, boundaries protect your energy. Move your body, but make it enjoyable. Mental and physical health are connected, but exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore—find movement that makes you feel good. Limit negative self-talk. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself. Find small moments of joy. Even on the hardest days, there’s usually something—a song, a cozy blanket, a laugh—that can bring a little light. Notice it, and let yourself enjoy it.

The Importance of Mental Health & Seeking Support: Mental health is just as important as physical health—and just like we go to the doctor for check-ups, therapy is a space for growth, healing, and self-discovery. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. Support is out there, and you deserve to feel better. Therapy isn’t just about managing pain—it’s about creating a life where you feel more connected, confident, and in control. If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, this is your sign to take that first step.

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Nominate a Member for the Spotlight on our website!

Are you ready to step into the spotlight? We're excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for you to shine and share your story with the entire SVC-CAMFT community! Our Member Spotlight feature is a chance for us to highlight the incredible individuals that make our community so vibrant and diverse.

We want to hear from you - yes, YOU! Whether you're a long-time member or just joined recently, whether you're Licensed or Pre-Licensed, we believe everyone has a story worth sharing. So, why not let yours be next? Nominate a member for our website’s spotlight via this form.

Upcoming Events

Virtual Peer Consultation Group Evening | Thursday, September 4th | 5:30-7pm

• https://svc-camft.org/event-6312871

CE Event (In Person) | 5, 6 , 7, 8: How Do Kids Communicate? Using Play Therapy in Child, Teen, & Family Sessions (3 CEs) | Friday, September 5th | 9:00am-12:30pm

• https://svc-camft.org/event-6232075

Virtual Board Meeting (All Members Welcome!) | Monday, September 8th | 9-10:30am

• https://svc-camft.org/event-6037598

Prelicensed Support Group (In Person) | Thursday, September 11th | 10-11:30am

https://svc-camft.org/event-6173915

Virtual Peer Consultation Group Morning | Thursday, September 18th | 9-11am

• Link to register coming soon, stay tuned on our website: https://svc-camft.org

CE Event (Virtual) | Law & Ethics - Working with Minor Clients: Prepare for Success and Avoid the Pitfalls (3 CEs) | Friday, September 19th | 9am-12pm

• https://svc-camft.org/event-6066490

Virtual CE Event (in partnership with Central Coast Chapter) | The Somatics of Shame (2 CEs) | Friday, September 26th | 9:30-11:30am

• https://svc-camft.org/event-6301632

3000 Club Clinical Skills Workshop (In Person) | Holding Space for Loss: Supporting Clients and Ourselves through Grief and Caregiver Burnout | Tuesday, September 30th | 6:30-8pm

• https://svc-camft.org/event-6315759

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For other events, please check out our events page here.

Available Positions/Jobs

Associate Therapist - Part-time

WEAVE Inc

Sacramento, CA

Bilingual Associate Therapist

WEAVE Inc

Sacramento, CA

Clinician

Bay Area Community Services

Sacramento, CA

Prelicensed is a free resource for MFT registered associates, 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!