Federal, State and Private Payer Advocacy

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Family TEAM                  

Sign up now to get the latest news on AAMFT’s federal advocacy! The Family TEAM (Family Therapist Education & Advocacy Movement) is AAMFT’s grassroots initiative to 1) provide interested members with the latest developments in our federal advocacy efforts, and 2) organize members to take action with their Congresspeople when our issues reach a critical point in the federal legislative process.

Federal

AAMFT is involved in many federal initiative including Medicare, VA, DoD and K-12 among many others. Learn more about these initiatives.

State

AAMFT and its Divisions are involved in advocating for the interests of MFTs at the state level. AAMFT’s Divisions advocate for recognition of MFTs by state-licensed insurance companies and state Medicaid plans. Divisions also work to add MFTs as eligible providers in state employee health plans and in the public schools.

AAMFT Family TEAM Video

The Family TEAM is a network of advocates willing to volunteer a bit of time and/or energy towards furthering MFT policy interest. With all of the competing health care legislation interests, it is essential that the Family TEAM is vibrant and active.  The more advocates, the more effective we can be in achieving advocacy success.

AAMFT Coalitions and Partnerships

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is a firm believer in the power of collaboration. By partnering with counterpart organizations and consumer groups sharing an interest in effective mental health/whole-health services, we work to further the profession of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), while also promoting the interests of those for whom we practice. More

Practice Protection Fund

AAMFT has made great strides in claming a place for marriage and family therapists in the behavioral healthcare market.  Those gains, however, are being challenged.  For this reason, AAMFT has created the Practice Protection Fund.  This fund will be used to help pay for items related to serious threats to the profession; for major initiatives, particularly concerning threats to the MFT scope of practice; and for opportunities to advance the practice and scope of practice.

Joining Forces

Launched in 2011 by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, Joining Forces is a national initiative in the United States to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members, veterans, and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. AAMFT has created this webpage to highlight all of the information, training, and resources available to providers who are working to meet the behavioral health needs to service members, veterans, and their families. MFTs are encouraged to review these resources and take advantage of training opportunities that are available.

Private Payer

AAMFT and its Divisions work to increase the recognition of MFTs as eligible providers with private health insurance plans and other private payers. This effort to increase MFT access to private health plans involves both advocating for laws requiring plans to recognize MFTs and advocating directly for MFT recognition with these payers.

 

Understanding the Benefits of Marriage and Family Therapy

Find a Therapist

If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, therapy with a marriage and family therapist (MFT) can help.

Find an MFT

TENEO

Continuing education designed specifically for MFTs. Explore the 85 online courses offered and expand your knowledge on a variety of topics. Start your personalized online classroom and earn CE credits at your own pace.

Earn CEs