Legislative Update — Ariel Cohen, MA, LMFT

CAMFT Facebook Page Legislative Updates
January and February 2025

1/24/25

We are pleased to announce that we have chosen Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-26th District, Ventura County and portion of Los Angeles County) as Federal Legislator of the Year!

Congresswomen Brownley has been an unparalleled champion for MFTs. In 2024, she introduced HR 8165, a groundbreaking bill aimed at establishing qualifications for appointing marriage and family therapists as clinical supervisors within the Veterans Health Administration.

She has also been a steadfast advocate for CAMFT's legislative priorities in the U.S. Congress, championing initiatives such as Medicare provider status and reducing barriers to MFT employment in the VA. In the current 118th Congress, she introduced legislation to expand opportunities for graduates of non-COAMFTE-accredited programs, enabling them to attain supervisory roles in the VA, along with higher employment grades and salaries.

Julia Brownley, thank you so much for your unwavering advocacy and dedication to advancing the work of MFTs!

#juliabrownley #legislativepriorities

2/3/25

Our annual Advocacy Day in Sacramento was a success!

Last week, we had the opportunity to educate legislators on the vital role MFTs play in diverse settings like schools, jails, and DCFS, and discuss the need for stronger mental health resources, loan forgiveness, and better insurance rates.

We also had the honor of naming Assemblymember Matt Haney our State Legislator of the Year! His work on AB 2142 and the Keep Families Close Act shows a real dedication to the profession of MFTs and the community they serve.

And to those looking for help with their mental health: Whether you're looking for help with anxiety, depression, or other challenges, remember: MFTs are here for you!

#AdvocacyDay #MFTs #MentalHealth #CommunityHealing #LookforanMFT

Ariel Cohen, MA, LMFT maintains a full-time private practice in Woodland Hills, CA. He works with children, teens, adults and families, with an emphasis on supporting the special needs community. He can be contacted at 818.674.9834 or ArielCohenLMFT@gmail.com.