The AAMFT Blog

February is Black History Month

Black History Month, celebrated in February, is a time to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history, highlighting their impact on culture, society, and progress, with a focus on stories often overlooked in traditional narratives. Carter G. Woodson is credited with starting Black History Month, originally establishing it as "Negro History Week" in 1926 to promote the study and celebration of African American history and culture; he is often referred to as the "father of Black History Month." The month of February was eventually chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

A vitally important aspect of Black history is linked to our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCUs are institutions of higher education established primarily to serve the African American community, particularly during times when legal and social discrimination prevented African Americans from attending predominantly white institutions, such as after the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. These colleges and universities have played a crucial role in the advancement of Black education, culture, and leadership in the United States. There are currently 107 HBCUs in the United States.

These institutions not only provided academic instruction but fostered a sense of community, activism, and empowerment. HBCUs became centers for political and civil rights activism during the Civil Rights Movement, producing leaders like W.E.B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Andrew Young, Maya Angelou, and Stokely Carmichael.

Some of the most well-known HBCUs include: Howard University (1867), Spelman College (1881), Morehouse College (1867), Jackson State University (1877), Tuskegee University (1881), Florida A & M University (1887), Clark Atlanta University (1865), North Carolina A & T State University (1891), Langston University (1897), and Bethune-Cookman University (1904).

HBCUs have produced African American professionals in fields like law, medicine, science, business, politics, and education. HBCUs have been central in shaping the African American cultural, intellectual, and political landscape. They often emphasize not just academic rigor but cultural pride, social justice, and community service. Many of these schools were active in the Civil Rights Movement, with their campuses serving as organizing grounds for protests, sit-ins, and political rallies. Students and faculty at HBCUs were among the first to push for social change before the 1960s and beyond. Furthermore, HBCUs have contributed significantly to the U.S. economy by producing graduates who go on to have successful careers, particularly in areas such as education, government, business, and health. Many also offer scholarships and support for students from underserved and marginalized communities.

Despite their profound impact, HBCUs have faced significant challenges, including underfunding, lack of resources, and the threat of closure due to competition with larger, predominantly white institutions. Historically, these schools have not received the same level of federal and state funding as non-HBCUs, despite their critical role in educating African American students. However, in recent years, HBCUs have experienced a resurgence in interest and enrollment, partially due to their emphasis on fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for students. Many HBCUs have also benefited from philanthropic contributions and increased federal funding. 

HBCUs are places where undergraduate and graduate students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. While their student bodies today are still primarily composed of African Americans, many schools are racially and ethnically diverse. HBCUs continue to promote an environment of excellence, with robust academic programs, research opportunities, and a strong focus on leadership development and social justice.

With this proud history in mind, AAMFT will be forging a path to bring awareness of the marriage and family therapy field at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In 2024, AAMFT was pleased to announce the official launch of the AAMFT MFT @ HBCU CEO Workgroup, chaired by Dr. Debbie Manigat.

This initiative aligns with AAMFT’s core values and seeks to expand access to systemic mental health education and services. The workgroup will engage with faculty and administrators at targeted HBCUs to advocate for the development of MFT programs, participate in outreach efforts, and help develop future systemic leaders and scholars. Building relationships with HBCUs is an opportunity to continue to fulfill the AAMFT mission of recognizing that relationships are fundamental to the health and well-being of diverse individuals, couples, families, and communities. Be on the lookout for further information and announcements about this exciting new workgroup and their efforts!

 

Happy Black History Month from the MFT @ HBCUs CEO Workgroup:

Dr. Debbie Manigat

Dr. Leslie Anderson

Dr. Dara Mcdowell

Dr. DeAnna Harris-McKoy

Dr. Camille Lafleur

Dr. Symphonie Smith

Dr. Christine Beliard

Dr. Kevana Nixon

Wilson Manigat, MBA

Katrina Edmonds, MS

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Every year since 2010, the President has dedicated the month to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime.

During this month, we recognize the efforts of foreign governments, international organizations, anti-trafficking entities, law enforcement officials, survivor advocates, communities of faith, businesses, and private citizens all around the world to raise awareness about human trafficking.

More than 20 years ago, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) enshrined the United States’ commitment to combating human trafficking domestically and internationally. In 2010, by presidential proclamation, President Obama declared January “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month” and every year since, each president has followed this tradition.

Presidential proclamations not only raise the profile of the issue, but are also snapshots of global trends, challenges, and significant U.S. anti-trafficking policy achievements. Some highlights include:

• In 2012, the issuance of the Executive Order ‘Strengthening Protections Against Trafficking in Persons in Federal Contracts’
• In 2016, the first convening of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking
• In 2017, the State Department’s launch of its largest anti-trafficking program, the Program to End Modern Slavery
• In 2021, the release of the updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking

Human trafficking includes both forced labor and sex trafficking. It not only represents a threat to international peace and security but also undermines the rule of law, robs millions of their dignity and freedom, enriches transnational criminals and terrorists, and threatens public safety and national security everywhere.

There are estimated to be more than 27.6 million people — adults and children — subjected to human trafficking around the world, including in the US. Traffickers often take advantage of instability caused by natural disasters, conflict, or a pandemic to exploit others.

Like the US, many countries around the world have worked to implement the “3P” paradigm of preventing the crime, protecting victims, and prosecuting traffickers, through the passage and implementation of national anti-trafficking laws. Today, there are 178 parties to the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons. Only 10 of the 188 countries and territories assessed in the Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report have yet to adhere to this international standard to ensure their laws criminalize all forms of human trafficking and take concerted steps to prevent human trafficking, protect all victims, and cooperate internationally to combat this global crime.

Despite the nearly worldwide adoption of international and domestic norms to address and prevent human trafficking, we continue to witness traffickers exploit people in the US and around the world. But everyone has the power to help make a difference. Every Presidential proclamation for January ends with a call to action for all Americans to recognize the vital role everyone can play in combating all forms of human trafficking.

Resources

• Understanding Human Trafficking
• 20 Ways You Can Help Fight Human Trafficking
• The U.S. Government’s Response to Combating Human Trafficking 
• Human Trafficking Hotlines
• U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking Annual Report

Warning signs for professionals and the public

Since human trafficking is often a crime that is hidden in plain sight, it is important to be aware of its warning signs. Some indications that a person may be a victim of human trafficking include (especially in the case of women and children):

• Appearing malnourished
• Showing signs of physical injuries and abuse
• Avoiding eye contact, social interaction, and authority figures/law enforcement
• Seeming to adhere to scripted or rehearsed responses in social interaction
• Lacking official identification documents
• Appearing destitute/lacking personal possessions
• Working excessively long hours
• Living at their place of employment
• Checking into hotels/motels with older males, and referring to those males as boyfriend or “daddy,” which is often street slang for pimp
• Poor physical or dental health 
• Tattoos/ branding on the neck and/or lower back
• Untreated sexually transmitted diseases
• Small children serving in a family restaurant
• Security measures that appear to keep people inside an establishment - barbed wire inside of a fence, bars covering the insides of windows
• Not allowing people to go into public alone or speak for themselves

January 20 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” —MLK

The observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in January is a time for us to reflect on the life and achievements of an extraordinary leader in American history. Dr. King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and economic opportunity through service to others. He also linked the quest for equality to healthcare and talked about the importance of being first in moral excellence and generosity. He taught us that everyone has a role to play.

Martin Luther King Jr. faced significant mental health challenges, particularly related to the immense stress and emotional toll of his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement. He experienced episodes of depression, anxiety, and deep personal doubts, often stemming from the constant threats on his life, the pressure of being a public figure, and the heavy responsibility he bore for the movement’s success. King’s close associates and family members noted his periods of fatigue, insomnia, and a sense of isolation. Despite these challenges, he remained dedicated to his cause, seeking solace through his faith, family, and close circle of friends. While King was not publicly open about his mental health struggles, it’s clear that the emotional strain of his work, combined with the personal risks he faced, had a significant impact on his well-being. King was concerned that people opposed to the Civil Rights Movement would use his depression to discredit him, as the stigma against people with mental illness was more pronounced in the 1950s and 1960s.

On this special day of remembrance, we can all hold ourselves accountable to acknowledging the work that remains to fulfill his dream. Many will mark the King holiday by volunteering in their neighborhoods—service is a powerful tool for strengthening our communities. Beyond volunteer service, there is much that can be done to improve the conditions in which all Americans are born, grow, work, live, and age.

Overall, we have made considerable progress improving health and healthcare for racial and ethnic minorities and disadvantaged populations. The life expectancy gap between Blacks and whites is at its narrowest point over the last three decades; cancer disparities are improving for all minority groups, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and teen birth rates have dropped for all races and Hispanic groups.

However, persistent and pervasive health disparities remain and addressing them will require not just a federal response, but also state and local organizations dedicated to achieving health equity. Issues like serious mental illness, the opioid epidemic, and childhood obesity are just some of the pervasive problems that continue to challenge us. Every day, 115 Americans die from drug overdoses due to opioids. One in five children in the United States is overweight or obese, and the rates are higher among African American and Latino children. And about 10 million American adults experience serious mental illness conditions each year.

Throughout the country, many communities will participate in the MLK Day of Service on January 20. The holiday remains the only federal holiday observed as a National Day of Service—a “day on, not a day off.”

Wherever you live, we hope you will join the hundreds of thousands of Americans who will spend the MLK Day of Service volunteering for a good cause or community activity. Some ideas are below.

Volunteer at an organization: 

• Volunteer at a local animal shelter or food bank
• Volunteer at a local, state, or national park
• Mentor a young person
• Participate in a social justice or anti-racism workshop

Help a neighbor

• Reach out to a neighbor in need
• Collect and donate non-perishable food items 
• Donate old linens like bath towels, blankets, and sheets to an animal shelter 
• Read letters, newspapers, or magazines to residents in a nursing home 
  
  

Beautify a community space 

• Clean up a public space
• Plant trees, grass, and flowers to create community green spaces
• Reclaim an abandoned space or park for community use
• Organize a classroom

You can find more information about Martin Luther King Jr. and MLK Day of Service activities here.

Celebrating Pioneers - LGBTQ+ Advocates in Family Therapy

Written by Ivonne Harting (She/Her) LAC, LPCC, MFTC, NCC

Diversity has always existed; it’s an intrinsic part of the human condition. Why is understanding diversity crucial in today's society? There isn’t a single person on Earth who is exactly like another. Yet, we often choose to rival our differences instead of rejoicing in them. Although we recognize the importance of support and acceptance as a society, hesitation still exists. Fortunately, we have made significant strides in celebrating diversity, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, which has relied on brave pioneers to advocate for our rights and illuminate the battles we face.

In honor of LGBTQIA+ History Month, I want to highlight one such pioneer: Dr. Deborah Coolhart. She is a prominent voice in family therapy, especially known for her work with trans and gender-expansive youth. Dr. Coolhart has made significant contributions to gender-affirmative therapy, centering the needs and voices of LGBTQIA+ youth in family therapy practices.

Dr. Coolhart emphasizes the critical importance of support—especially family support—in fostering positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ individuals. In her work, she discusses how dysphoria affects not just the mental health of trans masculine individuals, but also their physical and relational well-being. She states, “Because your dysphoria gets in the way of you…it affects everything.” This highlights the profound impact body dysphoria can have on a person’s identity and daily functioning. Addressing dysphoria through gender-affirming practices in therapy is essential, as it not only validates the experiences of trans individuals but also creates an environment where families can learn to support their loved ones effectively.

Dr. Coolhart’s work resonates deeply with me, especially as I reflect on my own experiences as a queer therapist. I remember the fear I felt when contemplating coming out to my family. Growing up in Venezuela—a society that lacks inclusivity regarding anything outside of heteronormativity—having a safe space that normalized discussions about gender and sexuality would have been life-changing. Such an environment would have allowed my family to understand my experiences from a different perspective and receive psychoeducation on how to support and accept me. This is what I believe our current society needs more of: education—not just about tolerance and acceptance, but about love and empathy. Community workshops and educational programs can play a vital role in fostering this understanding.

The progress we have seen in our field is monumental! We have transitioned from homosexuality being classified as a disorder in the DSM-I in 1952, to professionals like Dr. Coolhart advocating for and researching gender-affirming care, driving positive change in family therapy. It is clear that there is nothing we need to change about gender-diverse individuals. Conversion therapy is not the answer. Inclusion is. Let history be a reminder of how far we’ve come and where we are yet to go. Let’s continue to find ways to contribute as professionals, fostering environments that celebrate diversity and support all individuals in their journeys.

With love and pride,

Ivonne

Disaster Resources

Millions of people are reeling from the heartbreak left behind by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In the Carolinas, Helene left entire communities submerged by floodwaters and cut off from aid with people waiting to be rescued with no access to food, power, or fuel. In Georgia and Tennessee, damage from downed trees and flooding have left neighborhoods unrecognizable. In Florida, cars are buried in sand and homes have been gutted by the massive storm surge. Rescues are underway in Florida as the extent of damage and deaths from Milton are still unfolding. Hurricane Milton knocked out power to more than 3 million customers, flooded barrier islands, tore the roof off a baseball stadium and toppled a construction crane. Many are missing, possibly unable to leave their location or unable to contact family where communications infrastructure is inoperable. AAMFT will shortly release information on its partnership with the Red Cross letting AAMFT members know how they can help by volunteering in the impacted areas.

Following are ways for you to donate, volunteer, or get resources on helping families navigate this challenging and life-changing time.

• Make a donation to the Red Cross here for hurricane relief.

Resources and Information

Disastershock: How to Cope with the Emotional Stress of a Major Disaster has a systemic, trauma-informed, and evidence-based foundation, making the manual an excellent resource for MFTs. This resource was produced by AAMFT members who serve on the board for the Institute for School-based Family Counseling and are part of the Disastershock Global Volunteer Team, which has members from 16 countries.

From AAMFT’s Family Therapy Magazine

Helping Families Cope with Disasters

An Overview of the Red Cross and Disaster Mental Health

Systemic Therapists on the Frontlines of Climate Change

Attending to the Whole System: Eco-Informed Family Therapy

Tips for Parenting During Times of Crisis

• Model calm and control. Reassure children that they are safe and so are the other important adults in their lives.
• Talk with your children about crisis events. Take some time and determine what you wish to say. This is especially true since new information will unfold each day. Provide brief, accurate, and age-appropriate information. Don’t dwell on the scale or scope of the tragedy, particularly with young children.
• Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate. Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their lives will not change. Upper elementary school children will be more vocal in asking questions about their safety and what is being done. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy.
• Understand what your child is asking. Difficult questions that children ask may be spurred by curiosity or feelings. Rather than plunging into an immediate answer, learn what motivates the question. Ask, “What made you think of that?” or “What ideas do you have?” Once the meaning of a question is known, it is easier to answer effectively.
• There may be questions we cannot answer. Rather than invent a response, it is more helpful to say, “I don’t know,” or “I’ll try to find out.”
• Acknowledge, validate, and accept your child’s feelings. He or she may be feeling confused, frightened, or even excited. Listen calmly and reassuringly as they express their thoughts and feelings.
• Limit the amount of your child’s television viewing of these events. If they must watch, watch with them for a brief time; then turn the set off. Young children should not be allowed to watch TV coverage of the event, as they are too young to process what they are seeing and hearing.
• Maintain a “normal” routine. To the extent possible, stick to your family’s normal routine for dinner, homework, chores, bedtime, etc. Children feel secure when routines are calmly followed.
• Spend extra time reading or playing quiet games with your children before bed without the television or news radio on. These activities are calming, foster a sense of closeness and security, and reinforce a sense of normalcy.

First Responder Toolkit: A free app for those deployed to emergency response events

Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteers

From AAMFT: MFT Volunteer Opportunities with the American Red Cross

Red Cross Volunteers

Trauma Informed Care: A downloadable, comprehensive, and free guide to TIC

Psychological First Aid: A downloadable, comprehensive, and free guide to PFA

SAMHSA Resources by Disaster Type

SAMHSA Disaster Response Helpline (call or text): 1-800-985-5990

SAMHSA Disaster Response Overview

Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide (from the World Health Organization). A stress management guide for coping with adversity. The guide aims to equip people with practical skills to help cope with stress. A few minutes each day is enough to practice the self-help techniques. Informed by evidence and extensive field testing, the guide is for anyone who experiences stress, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.

Pan American Health Organization: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies (MHPSS). Health emergencies, natural and socio-environmental disasters, armed conflicts, and various migratory phenomena may cause severe suffering in affected populations. The psychological and social effects of emergencies can be severe in the short term, but they can also affect people in the long term. Protecting and improving people's mental health and psychosocial well-being is therefore a priority in emergencies.

Disaster Preparation

AARP offers tips on how to protect your important papers and property:

Protect Your Important Papers and Property

Information on preparing your office for an emergency:

8 Tips on Preparing your Office for an Emergency

Be prepared before the next storm. The Red Cross offers tips on “How to Prepare for a Hurricane”

Tips for a flooded office

Ways to donate and help

How to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene: Charities, organizations to support relief efforts

Pet Rescue

For those interested in helping pets impacted by the hurricane, a Virginia-based pet rescue organization is receiving cats and dogs from flood-impacted states and is in need of donations to care for the influx of arriving pets. Learn more in “Cats and dogs from flood-ravaged North Carolina find hope in Fairfax”

Homeward Trails: Donate

National Hispanic Heritage Month: Embracing Diversity in Marriage and Family Therapy

Written By Julian Crespo, Ph.D., LMFT. 

As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, it's impossible not to reflect on the rich multiplicity of Hispanic cultures. This annual observance provides marriage and family therapists an opportunity to consider the profound influence of Hispanic heritage on our field and society as a whole.

The Hispanic community defies simple categorization. It's a composite of cultures, traditions, and identities shaped by centuries of mestizaje – the blending of Indigenous, European, African, and other ancestries. This intricate history has fostered a wide array of perspectives on individual and family identity formation. Some Hispanic families celebrate their indigenous roots as a cornerstone of their identity, while others may emphasize their European heritage. Many embrace a fluid, multifaceted identity that honors all aspects of their lineage.

For marriage and family therapists, this diversity within Hispanic cultures is a wellspring of insight. It underscores the need for tailored approaches to therapy, even among seemingly similar cultural groups. Each family brings to the therapeutic space its unique historical narrative, cultural values, and identity constructs. Additionally, the multifaceted nature of Hispanic populations can significantly enrich and foster inclusivity in the United States. As therapists, we can draw valuable lessons from how Hispanic cultures have navigated complex identities and histories. This knowledge can shape our approach to working with all clients, helping us develop more inclusive and culturally responsive therapeutic practices.

Many Hispanic cultures, for instance, place great importance on strong family bonds, respect for elders, and collective decision-making. These values offer fresh perspectives that contrast with more individualistic approaches. By integrating these diverse worldviews, we can broaden our therapeutic toolkit and better serve a wider spectrum of clients.

Furthermore, the richness and complexities of Hispanic cultures can inform and nurture marriage and family therapy practices to adopt a critical stance. They push us to examine our assumptions and biases, encouraging us to create epistemological spaces where the profession can grow in multiple directions.

Take, for example, the concept of familismo – the strong identification and attachment to nuclear and extended family – prevalent in many Hispanic cultures. This concept prompts us to reconsider our understanding of family systems, encouraging us to look beyond the nuclear family and consider the roles of extended family members and close friends who may be considered family.

Similarly, the diverse spiritual and religious practices within Hispanic cultures can expand our approach to addressing spirituality in therapy. From indigenous spiritual practices to syncretic religions like Santería, these varied belief systems remind us of the many paths people take to find meaning and healing.

The linguistic diversity within Hispanic communities offers another valuable lesson. It highlights the importance of not just literal translation, but cultural interpretation in therapy. This insight can inspire us to be more attentive to the nuances of language and communication in all our therapeutic interactions. 

As we mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, let's embrace these lessons from Hispanic cultures. Let's use this richness and complexity to foster more inclusive, culturally responsive, and critically reflective marriage and family therapy practices. In doing so, we not only better serve our Hispanic clients but also enrich our field as a whole, creating space for multiple perspectives and approaches.

National Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions Hispanic cultures make to our society and our field. It challenges us to continuously expand our understanding, question our assumptions, and strive for truly inclusive and effective therapeutic practices. In honoring Hispanic heritage, we also honor the diversity of human experience and the myriad ways families and individuals construct their identities and relationships.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Join AAMFT for a conversation on suicide prevention

Each September, the United States observes suicide awareness and prevention. The nationwide observance aims to raise awareness about suicide, identify ways to prevent suicide, and remember the lives lost to suicide.

In the U.S., someone dies by suicide every 11 minutes. Suicide can impact anyone—people of all ages and backgrounds. The White House World Suicide Prevention Day proclamation underscores this, noting that in 2023, nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide, and in 2022, over 10 million seriously considered suicide. In 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10 to 14 and 25 to 34, and the suicide rate for veterans was 50 percent higher than for anyone else.

On September 24 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern, we invite you to a special LinkedIn live panel discussion titled “Understanding Suicide Prevention: Community, Signs, and Support.”

Hosted by AAMFT Board President Silvia Kaminsky, this critical session will feature insights from AAMFT members Dr. Marie-Nathalie Beaudoin and Dr. Katherine M. Hertlein, along with Dr. Lisa M. Horowitz of the National Institute of Mental Health. Together, they will explore the significant impact of family dynamics on mental health and discuss practical strategies for suicide prevention.

This session will provide expert insights into the warning signs of suicide; help you understand the support systems that can prevent crises; and insights from top professionals about the role of marriage and family therapists in mental health advocacy.

This event is essential for anyone interested in the latest approaches to mental health and wellness, especially in recognizing the crucial role families play in prevention. Whether you're a professional in the field, a student, or simply an advocate for better mental health practices, your participation is valuable.

Save the date and join the conversation that matters. Let's empower our communities with the knowledge to support and save lives.

REGISTER FOR THIS LIVE EVENT HERE

Juneteenth

 

By: Racine R. Henry, PhD, LMFT, CCTP

Juneteenth is a holiday that recognizes and celebrates enslaved Black people in Texas learning of the Emancipation Proclamation and their legal freedom on June 19, 1865. Despite slavery being abolished two years prior and the Emancipation Proclamation being signed in 1863, slavery continued in many southern states until December of 1865. Independence Day is widely known as July 4th and taught in schools as the day of our country’s freedom, yet Juneteenth is a holiday that many people don’t learn about until adulthood. While it has been a day of celebration hallmarked by gatherings and parades since 1866, Juneteenth only became a federal holiday in 2021. For Black people in this country across the diaspora, the seemingly reluctant acknowledgment of a significant day in U.S. History reflects the reality of our experience in two Americas: one that we continuously co-create with our ancestors and communities and the other that we have to navigate while remaining both unseen and misunderstood.  

As a Black therapist, I’m often asked about best practices to treat Black clients and/or considerations for working with couples and families in the Black community. I tend to oscillate between feeling excited and irritated by this question. It makes me happy that my colleagues want to provide the best possible care for those who look like me, but it is also frustrating that the Black experience is seen as “a thing” rather than a highly nuanced existence that is multifaceted and impossible to capture in a formulaic manner. There is no big answer to treating Black people as we are not a monolith or a foreign entity. To begin to understand what it means to live in the U.S. and identify as a Black person involves learning about the marred history of this country and how institutional racism, white supremacy, and racial/ethnic marginalization show up in every facet of life. This does not mean that Black people should be pathologized but rather that life for Black people, in my opinion, involves an ever-present awareness of our Black identity and what that could mean for those we encounter.  

Marriage and Family Therapy, as a profession, encourages clinicians to embrace a client’s reality, take on their multiverse, and hold their truths as our own. As a field, we can support the Black community by acknowledging that our beloved models and approaches were not designed with this population in mind. We can think critically about how racism and white supremacy show up in the way Black populations are represented in research and discussed in peer-reviewed journals and texts. We can create more explicit standards in our MFT training programs around how students are taught to clinically treat Black people, rather than promoting vague concepts like cultural competency or colorblindness. We can hold each other accountable for the lack of congruency between what we do as clinicians and how we treat one another as people and colleagues. We often talk about Self Of The Therapist or Person Of The Therapist as crucial to doing efficacious work yet neglect to be as introspective about how Black MFTs are regarded. 

Juneteenth, as a holiday, should remind us that the legal enslavement of Black people is part of the not-so-distant history of this country and that the concept of freedom can be a façade when considering the continued demonization and disenfranchisement of Black people in our very current society. Beyond the therapy room, conference halls, and pages of literature, every MFT, whether in training or enjoying tenure, should strive for alignment between how they approach clients being cared for and how they treat those in the larger community. As written on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture website, “The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times”. Juneteenth is about celebrating freedom from being treated and seen as three-fifths of a person without identity, community, or value. There is very little to be certain of both in this country and globally, but it is important that we, as MFTs, instill hope in our Black clients for a future full of promise, positivity, and alleviation of what is causing them pain. My personal hope is that we begin to set the standard across mental health professions of what it looks like to be congruent in both practice and personhood.  

AAMFT Statement: Regarding Change Healthcare Cyberattack

 

Last month, Change Healthcare was the target of a major cyberattack that has impacted many marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and other healthcare providers. Owned by UnitedHealth Group (UHG), Change Healthcare processes up to 15 billion healthcare transactions annually. Due to this cyberattack, MFTs, other individual healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics are not receiving payments for services recently provided to clients. This disruption significantly impacts the finances of MFTs and other providers, especially smaller providers. 

AAMFT recognizes the impact of this cyberattack on MFTs who process payments through Change Healthcare and has reached out to share these concerns with Change and UHG. Change Healthcare shared that they will not resume electronic payments until March 15 at the earliest. 

AAMFT fully supports the statement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services encouraging insurers to make interim payments to impacted providers. We applaud the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for making accelerated payments available to Medicare Part B providers. We urge other payers to make advanced payments to MFTs impacted by this cyberattack.

Providers can learn more here: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/10/letter-to-health-care-leaders-on-cyberattack-on-change-healthcare.html

https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/changehealthcarecyberresponse

Medicare Providers can learn more here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/change-healthcare/optum-payment-disruption-chopd-accelerated-payments-part-providers-and-advance

Recession Proof Your Private Practice

This content is provided by zynnyme, an affinity partner of AAMFT. This information is not necessarily the view of AAMFT and should not be interpreted as official policy. 

As therapists, our job is often to sit with people’s fears and anxieties. But what happens when WE are anxious? With growing uncertainty about the economy and global crisis happening many therapists are asking themselves whether owning a private practice is truly sustainable during a recession. Today, we want to talk about some real data, and real options to recession proof your private practice as a therapist.

"Wait, does that mean you think we are going into a recession?" Whether we go into a recession next month or in the next decade, we want to share what every therapist who plans to grow, launch, or maintain a private practice should do to recession proof their private practice. Ultimately, we aren’t financial analysts, and even they can’t always agree!

So, why do you get to talk about recession proofing private practices?

In 2008, Miranda over at zynnyme launched her cash-pay private practice during the recession in one of the worst-hit cities in the United States. And guess what? It flourished. Kelly built her practice during the recession in a city saturated with therapists.

We know every recession is different, but we think there are lessons we can bring forward from our pasts that help us to navigate our futures.

Defining a Recession

A recession, by definition, is “a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.” Effects of a recession often include high unemployment rates, defaults on loans and mortgages, and a flurry of public policy decisions related to managing the change in cash-flow AND attempts to stimulate the economy.

Worst Jobs During a Recession

According to Yahoo Finance and their analysis of employment data from the downturns in 1990-91, 2008-2009, and 2013, the following were the worst jobs to hold during the recession: tradesmen (plumbers, construction, etc.), manufacturing workers, CEOs, drivers, farmers, and finance workers. While many therapists “feel” like mental health and helping professions are the first to go and the least needed, this actually doesn’t align with the data.

A Recession-Proof Business

In fact, every list of recession-proof industries we could find (like this one) included healthcare. Some lumped mental health in with physical health; other lists listed psychologists, social workers, and others as the jobs least impacted by previous downturns and recessions.

Statistics Are Great, But What Happens in Real Life?

Here’s a bit of Miranda’s story: I quit my county job with amazing benefits in the spring of the height of the 2007 recession after receiving a clear message from my higher power that it was what I was supposed to do (it was literally written down on a slip of paper!). I was already teaching and had jobs at a local junior college and at a local university. In October, I started a cash-pay private practice. People thought I had lost my mind.

I hadn’t been licensed long enough to get on insurance panels. I knew VERY little about how to run a business. And I had a child that I was nursing at home. I built my business, designed my website, and learned online marketing during my child’s two naps during the day. He didn’t sleep well at night (and if he skipped a nap during the day, the nighttime restlessness got even worse).

I knew what I was supposed to be doing, so I kept my blinders on and just took one small step at time, day-by-day and week-by-week. I had a great clinical reputation at the local psychiatric hospital and with agencies, but people I respected said they’d only start referring to me once I was on insurance panels… you know, the ones I couldn’t get on because I hadn’t been licensed long enough.

I figured once I was eligible for insurance panels, I’d consider them if my practice wasn’t full or growing. Then, guess what? It grew! People hired me, they came to see me. Couples on unemployment budgeted for couples counseling while living with their parents because their relationship was EXTRA important during the recession.

That cushy county position with the great benefits that I left? They started doing furloughs and reducing benefits, and my old coworkers had to manage with decreased income while I was able to adjust my income. In fact, my spouse’s industry was eventually impacted by the Great Recession, he was laid off, and I was able to adjust my business plan and hours to ensure that we could pay our mortgage while he went back to school.

Statement from AAMFT’s CEO Chris Michaels Regarding Medicare’s Coverage of Marriage and Family Therapists: A Transformational Change for Clients and Therapists

January 2, 2024

On behalf of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the 72,000 MFTs we represent, today we celebrate a historic milestone—licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) can now provide services to Medicare beneficiaries and receive reimbursement from Medicare. This is a major turning point for access to care, but coverage is only the beginning. We need more beneficiaries to know they have access to family therapy, and we need more LMFTs to support the needs of Medicare recipients.

Medicare beneficiaries need therapy support now more than ever—1 in 4 beneficiaries reported having a mental health condition in 2022, yet only half reported receiving treatment. And a recent report from the CDC found men aged 65+ are at the highest risk for suicide, signaling an even greater need for therapy intervention. While seniors make up the majority of Medicare beneficiaries and have unique complex needs, we also recognize beneficiaries include other populations, such as people with disabilities, people with substance use disorder, veterans, and people with low-incomes who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. LMFTs are extensively trained to provide therapy for every demographic covered by Medicare and are proven to help their clients manage the complexities of family dynamics to improve mental health.

AAMFT has been working closely with our members for many months to help make the Medicare enrollment process as smooth as possible for providers, and we will continue to host webinars to explain in detail how to register and the implications for our therapists and their clients. We are pleased to report that recent surveys indicate at least 60% of our eligible members plan to enroll. As a global leader for the marriage and family therapy profession, we are confident the expanded Medicare coverage will provide tremendous value to beneficiaries. We are also excited for LMFTs to gain additional experience, particularly those seeking to specialize, expand their patient network or diversify their clientele.

AAMFT remains committed to addressing biases surrounding mental health, particularly for older adults, and improving access to care so LMFTs can further reach Medicare beneficiaries in need of therapy. Today, we celebrate this historic moment, and we are prepared to navigate future challenges so that marriage and family therapy becomes accessible for everyone who seeks help.