04/12/2018
Greeting PAMFT Members.
I’ve just returned from AAMFT’s Leadership Symposium in Seattle where I met with AAMFT Board and staff to discuss next steps for the profession of marriage and family therapy, and how we can continue to support MFTs in Pennsylvania.
US News and World Reports just named MFTs #4 in Best Social Service Jobs and the US Bureau and Statistics states that the employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 23 % from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As MFTs in Pennsylvania we need to be prepared as our industry grows, and PAMFT is committed to supporting all of you.
Good News for PAMFT
Geographical Interest Network
Though it seems as though the transition from AAMFT Pennsylvania Division to a Geographical Interest network has been at a snail’s pace, our board worked tirelessly identifying what would be best for our division and MFTs in Pennsylvania. Through SWOT analysis, membership surveys, budget analysis and scrupulous report of our legislative concerns for the next five years, we applied to transition to a Geographical Interest Network with AAMFT.
We are excited to share that we received confirmation from AAMFT that our application for Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapists has been accepted. We will operate much the same as we have in the past, but ultimately with less administrative responsibilities. We have begun the long process of closing the corporation and will soon operate under the umbrella of AAMFT Networks.
While AAMFT is committed to the Profession of Marriage and Family Therapy, the new PAMFT interest network will focus on the clinician. We’ve simply altered our name to embrace Therapists, instead of Therapy. We are excited to promote and support our talented MFTs in Pennsylvania.
OPT-IN
Please be aware that the dues structure has changed for AAMFT. Membership in PAMFT is no longer automatic. You must OPT-IN by choosing membership in PAMFT. PAMFT is funded only through membership dues. In order to continue the activities and legislative support we have provided we must continue our active membership. We have lowered the membership dues to $50 for Clinical Fellows.
If you already paid your dues but forgot to opt in, No problem! You can easily show your support for PAMFT and take advantage of all of our great benefits simply by calling AAMFT Member Services at 703-838-9808 and indicating you want to add on Pennsylvania!
Committee Chairs
We have an interim board for 2018. Amy Tielemans, Chair; Christian Jordal, Treasurer, and Sue Morano, executive assistant, will maintain our position to ensure a smooth transition. Corinne DiSalvo, has been named Chair-Elect, and we welcome Arlene Rosen as secretary.
Social Media: Stephanie Lewis [email protected]
Conference: Corinne DiSalvo [email protected]
Professional Development: Nicole Mountney [email protected]
Website: We are looking for a website chair person.
Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
Regional Leadership
Bucks County: Michele [email protected]
Phildelphia/Delaware Counties:Jaynay Johnson - [email protected]
Montgomery County: Rita [email protected]
Western PA: Brittany [email protected]
Chester County: available position
Northern PA: available position
Mid County PA: available position
Please contact Corinne DiSalvo if you are interested in becoming a regional leader in Chester County, Northern and Mid-County, PA.
Transition Year
Our Transitional Year will concentrate on legislative issues, membership recruitment, mentoring students and pre-licensed MFTs through small regional networking events. Please look for invitations to connect with other MFTs in Pennsylvania. If you are not on a regional list-serve, please reach out to your regional leader or secretary, Arlene Rosen.
Social Media
As part of our focus on Therapists, we would like to promote the useful things MFTs are doing and congratulate their accomplishments as MFTs in Pennsylvania. Please email Stephanie Lewis at [email protected] updates on your awards, new business openings, new career promotions, new licensees so we can post this on Face Book.
2018 Legislative Updates
Diagnosis and Independent Practice for LMFTs—
We’re Almost there!
2017 was a roller coaster ride of legislation issues. We want to thank Senator Aument and Senator Killion and their staff for their many efforts and commitment of getting this bill introduced and passed the Senate. Thank you to all of you that contacted your Senator to request their support on this important legislation.
SB531
March 24, 2017
Proposed SB530 adds language to our law that includes the word “diagnose” in our scope of practice and protection for the “independent practice” of licensed marriage and family therapists. You can read the bill in its entirety atwww.legis.state.pa.us The Printer’s number is 1166.
September 19th Amended to combine with SB530 (LCSWs similar language) Amended again to include the LPCs.
October 2, 2017 Passed the Senate (46-3)
March 14, 2018 SB 530 Passed by the House Professional
License committee.
We are expecting a full House Vote when congress returns to
session after April 9, 2018.
This is crucial legislation for MFTs. Please contact your State House Representative to urge their support for passing this bill (SB530) to modernize the language to include “diagnose” and “independent practice” for licensed clinicians.
Watch on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/PAMFTs/
MFT Licensing Delays
We have reported to our state board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, specific cases where pre-licensed clinicians have passed their exams, but have not received their licenses after thirty days.
Please contact Sue Morano at [email protected] with the specific day you passed your exam if you have not received your licenses.
There has been a delay due to the personal query that expires after 60 days of your Application date. Please make sure your query is up-to-date as soon as you take the exam.
The application for licensure is now online. The application is available at PALS (Pennsylvania Licensing System) https://www.pals.pa.gov
Blue Cross HighMark Insurance Company
We are working with Highmark concerning their recent analysis with CPT codes 90837, 90834 and 90832, as well as other concerns that have been brought to our attention.
Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC)
We have expressed our concerns to the IRRC for it’s recent recommendations to increase application and due fees for LMFTs.
SB780 Providing for telemedicine and for insurance coverage.
We successfully recommend clarification to specifically include Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Professional Counselors as providers in the telemedicine bill proposed. First consideration January 30, 2018
SB354
SB 354 authorizes the licensing board or commission to temporarily suspend a license, certificate, registration or permit under circumstances determined to be an immediate and clear danger to public health and safety without a hearing. The bill also gives the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs the ability to expunge the disciplinary record of a licensee, registrant, certificate or permit holder if the discipline was for a violation of failing to complete continuing education requirements or practicing for six months or less on a lapsed license, registration, certificate or permit. Approved by the Governor, Feb. 15, 2018
HB2130
House Bill 2130 requires counseling along with Medication Assisted Treatment for addiction. Referred to Human Service Committee March 9, 2018
Vendorship
We are currently writing a proposal concerning the reimbursement of clinical mental health services.
PAMFT will not be able to continue these activities and vigilance over mental health legislation in Pennsylvania without the support of members. Please do not forget to “opt-in” and choose membership in PAMFT.
AAMFT Board of Directors
We are excited to congratulate Past President, Chris Fariello. Chris has been elected to the AAMFT Board of Directors. Chris will continue as an advisor through PAMFT’s transition and guidance for our new leadership.
Remember to follow us on Facebook and look for updates on your regional listserv.
Thank you and warm wishes for a Happy Spring!
Amy Tielemans, LMFT
Chair, Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Below is the Mission Statement submitted with our application.
Mission Statement
The Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
is a geographic organization of volunteers passionate
about the profession and practice of marriage and family therapy.
We are dedicated to the growth of the profession and professional
Practice, as well as upholding the excellence and distinction of our
profession in the state of Pennsylvania.
We look to enhance the professional development of MFTs,
throughout the life span of their career, by promoting licensure and
continuing education, fostering regional networking, and
modeling career and practice development opportunities for our
members.
PAMFT is further committed to professional advocacy for
Pennsylvania Marriage and Family Therapists, to the profession
and practice of Marriage and Family Therapy and to ensure best
practices of care to our consumers by maintaining vigilance over
mental health legislation in Pennsylvania.
It is vital that we continue to maintain a strong presence in Pennsylvania’s mental health care legislative process to defend threats to our profession and license, advocate for any new legislation that will protect and promote the profession of MFT(s) and encourage parity across the behavioral mental health disciplines.
PAMFT Members.
I’ve just returned from AAMFT’s Leadership Symposium in Seattle where I met with AAMFT Board and staff to discuss next steps for the profession of marriage and family therapy, and how we can continue to support MFTs in Pennsylvania.
US News and World Reports just named MFTs #4 in Best Social Service Jobs and the US Bureau and Statistics states that the employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 23 % from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As MFTs in Pennsylvania we need to be prepared as our industry grows, and PAMFT is committed to supporting all of you.
Good News for PAMFT
Geographical Interest Network
Though it seems as though the transition from AAMFT Pennsylvania Division to a Geographical Interest network has been at a snail’s pace, our board worked tirelessly identifying what would be best for our division and MFTs in Pennsylvania. Through SWOT analysis, membership surveys, budget analysis and scrupulous report of our legislative concerns for the next five years, we applied to transition to a Geographical Interest Network with AAMFT.
We are excited to share that we received confirmation from AAMFT that our application for Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapists has been accepted. We will operate much the same as we have in the past, but ultimately with less administrative responsibilities. We have begun the long process of closing the corporation and will soon operate under the umbrella of AAMFT Networks.
While AAMFT is committed to the Profession of Marriage and Family Therapy, the new PAMFT interest network will focus on the clinician. We’ve simply altered our name to embrace Therapists, instead of Therapy. We are excited to promote and support our talented MFTs in Pennsylvania.
OPT-IN
Please be aware that the dues structure has changed for AAMFT. Membership in PAMFT is no longer automatic. You must OPT-IN by choosing membership in PAMFT. PAMFT is funded only through membership dues. In order to continue the activities and legislative support we have provided we must continue our active membership. We have lowered the membership dues to $50 for Clinical Fellows.
If you already paid your dues but forgot to opt in, No problem! You can easily show your support for PAMFT and take advantage of all of our great benefits simply by calling AAMFT Member Services at 703-838-9808 and indicating you want to add on Pennsylvania!
Committee Chairs
We have an interim board for 2018. Amy Tielemans, Chair; Christian Jordal, Treasurer, and Sue Morano, executive assistant, will maintain our position to ensure a smooth transition. Corinne DiSalvo, has been named Chair-Elect, and we welcome Arlene Rosen as secretary.
Social Media: Stephanie Lewis [email protected]
Conference: Corinne DiSalvo [email protected]
Professional Development: Nicole Mountney [email protected]
Website: We are looking for a website chair person.
Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
Regional Leadership
Bucks County: Michele [email protected]
Phildelphia/Delaware Counties:Jaynay Johnson - [email protected]
Montgomery County: Rita [email protected]
Western PA: Brittany [email protected]
Chester County: available position
Northern PA: available position
Mid County PA: available position
Please contact Corinne DiSalvo if you are interested in becoming a regional leader in Chester County, Northern and Mid-County, PA.
Transition Year
Our Transitional Year will concentrate on legislative issues, membership recruitment, mentoring students and pre-licensed MFTs through small regional networking events. Please look for invitations to connect with other MFTs in Pennsylvania. If you are not on a regional list-serve, please reach out to your regional leader or secretary, Arlene Rosen.
Social Media
As part of our focus on Therapists, we would like to promote the useful things MFTs are doing and congratulate their accomplishments as MFTs in Pennsylvania. Please email Stephanie Lewis at [email protected] updates on your awards, new business openings, new career promotions, new licensees so we can post this on Face Book.
2018 Legislative Updates
Diagnosis and Independent Practice for LMFTs—
We’re Almost there!
2017 was a roller coaster ride of legislation issues. We want to thank Senator Aument and Senator Killion and their staff for their many efforts and commitment of getting this bill introduced and passed the Senate. Thank you to all of you that contacted your Senator to request their support on this important legislation.
SB531
March 24, 2017
Proposed SB530 adds language to our law that includes the word “diagnose” in our scope of practice and protection for the “independent practice” of licensed marriage and family therapists. You can read the bill in its entirety atwww.legis.state.pa.us The Printer’s number is 1166.
September 19th Amended to combine with SB530 (LCSWs similar language) Amended again to include the LPCs.
October 2, 2017 Passed the Senate (46-3)
March 14, 2018 SB 530 Passed by the House Professional
License committee.
We are expecting a full House Vote when congress returns to
session after April 9, 2018.
This is crucial legislation for MFTs. Please contact your State House Representative to urge their support for passing this bill (SB530) to modernize the language to include “diagnose” and “independent practice” for licensed clinicians.
Watch on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/PAMFTs/
MFT Licensing Delays
We have reported to our state board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, specific cases where pre-licensed clinicians have passed their exams, but have not received their licenses after thirty days.
Please contact Sue Morano at [email protected] with the specific day you passed your exam if you have not received your licenses.
There has been a delay due to the personal query that expires after 60 days of your Application date. Please make sure your query is up-to-date as soon as you take the exam.
The application for licensure is now online. The application is available at PALS (Pennsylvania Licensing System) https://www.pals.pa.gov
Blue Cross HighMark Insurance Company
We are working with Highmark concerning their recent analysis with CPT codes 90837, 90834 and 90832, as well as other concerns that have been brought to our attention.
Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC)
We have expressed our concerns to the IRRC for it’s recent recommendations to increase application and due fees for LMFTs.
SB780 Providing for telemedicine and for insurance coverage.
We successfully recommend clarification to specifically include Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Professional Counselors as providers in the telemedicine bill proposed. First consideration January 30, 2018
SB354
SB 354 authorizes the licensing board or commission to temporarily suspend a license, certificate, registration or permit under circumstances determined to be an immediate and clear danger to public health and safety without a hearing. The bill also gives the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs the ability to expunge the disciplinary record of a licensee, registrant, certificate or permit holder if the discipline was for a violation of failing to complete continuing education requirements or practicing for six months or less on a lapsed license, registration, certificate or permit. Approved by the Governor, Feb. 15, 2018
HB2130
House Bill 2130 requires counseling along with Medication Assisted Treatment for addiction. Referred to Human Service Committee March 9, 2018
Vendorship
We are currently writing a proposal concerning the reimbursement of clinical mental health services.
PAMFT will not be able to continue these activities and vigilance over mental health legislation in Pennsylvania without the support of members. Please do not forget to “opt-in” and choose membership in PAMFT.
AAMFT Board of Directors
We are excited to congratulate Past President, Chris Fariello. Chris has been elected to the AAMFT Board of Directors. Chris will continue as an advisor through PAMFT’s transition and guidance for our new leadership.
Remember to follow us on Facebook and look for updates on your regional listserv.
Thank you and warm wishes for a Happy Spring!
Amy Tielemans, LMFT
Chair, Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Below is the Mission Statement submitted with our application.
Mission Statement
The Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
is a geographic organization of volunteers passionate
about the profession and practice of marriage and family therapy.
We are dedicated to the growth of the profession and professional
Practice, as well as upholding the excellence and distinction of our
profession in the state of Pennsylvania.
We look to enhance the professional development of MFTs,
throughout the life span of their career, by promoting licensure and
continuing education, fostering regional networking, and
modeling career and practice development opportunities for our
members.
PAMFT is further committed to professional advocacy for
Pennsylvania Marriage and Family Therapists, to the profession
and practice of Marriage and Family Therapy and to ensure best
practices of care to our consumers by maintaining vigilance over
mental health legislation in Pennsylvania.
It is vital that we continue to maintain a strong presence in Pennsylvania’s mental health care legislative process to defend threats to our profession and license, advocate for any new legislation that will protect and promote the profession of MFT(s) and encourage parity across the behavioral mental health disciplines.
Sue Morano
PAMFT Division Office
[email protected]
www.pamft.com
Serving and Promoting Marriage and Family Therapists in PA.