Your Advocate for Marriage and Family Therapy

 

At the Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT), we are dedicated to being the leading voice for Marriage and Family Therapists in Georgia. Through our team of legislative and governmental affairs experts, we tirelessly advocate for your rights and needs at the state level, ensuring that our profession continues to thrive and grow.

 

GAMFT 2024 Legislative Priorities: Advancing the Work of LMFTs in Georgia

As we move through 2024, our commitment to supporting Marriage and Family Therapists in Georgia is stronger than ever. Our efforts focus on the key areas that matter most to you as LMFTs, ensuring that your work is recognized, valued, and protected across the state.

Expanding Access to Care through Medicaid and Insurance Recognition

We’re working hard to expand your ability to serve adults through direct Medicaid reimbursement. We’re also pushing for major insurers to recognize LMFTs fully, ensuring that you are included in networks and fairly compensated for the important work you do.

Strengthening Our Workforce by Addressing Workforce Shortages

We know that Georgia, especially rural areas, faces a shortage of mental health professionals. We’re advocating for changes that make it easier and more affordable for you to get licensed, and we’re supporting the growth of LMFT programs across the state. This includes fighting for better funding for training programs and student loan repayment options, so more people can join and stay in our profession.

Protecting Our Profession by Monitoring and Responding to Threats

Your license and ability to practice are constantly under scrutiny. We’re keeping a close eye on any proposed legislation that could harm or weaken the LMFT license. Our goal is to ensure that LMFTs are included wherever decisions about mental health professionals are made and to protect our profession from being sidelined.

Expanding LMFT Roles and Recognition by Advocating for Opportunities

We’re working to expand the roles you can take on as an LMFT, including performing guardianship and conservatorship evaluations and participating in forensic assessments. We’re also pushing for better recognition of LMFTs in schools and other settings where your expertise can make a difference.

Building Strong Relationships and Grassroots Advocacy by Connecting with Lawmakers and Communities

To make sure your voice is heard, we’re building strong relationships with legislators and other stakeholders. We’re also growing our grassroots advocacy efforts, encouraging more LMFTs like you to get involved. By working together, we can make a bigger impact.

Collaborating with Other Mental Health Professionals that Amplify Our Voice

We’re not in this alone. We’re collaborating with other mental health professionals and organizations to strengthen our collective voice. Whether it’s improving mental health parity in insurance or ensuring fair licensing processes, these partnerships help us advocate more effectively for LMFTs across Georgia.

 

Join Our Legislative Efforts

Our mission extends beyond education and connection; it’s about ensuring the continuation of our licensure and profession. Legislative advocacy is a vital aspect of our collective support, and we encourage you to participate in these efforts.

Be a Part of Our Advocacy
Our work is about more than just education and connection—it’s about securing the future of our profession. Legislative advocacy is essential to this mission, and we need your help to continue making progress.

You don’t need to be an expert in advocacy to make a difference. As LMFTs, participating in advocacy is part of our ethical duty as therapists. It’s about contributing to a better community and society, supporting laws and regulations that serve the public interest, and ensuring that our profession is recognized and valued. Whether you’re new to advocacy or have experience, your involvement is crucial.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

We are forming two study committees to focus on critical issues that are vital to the future of Marriage and Family Therapy in Georgia.

Which are you interested in?

Medicaid and Provider Reimbursement Rates: Reimbursement rates are a key factor in ensuring that LMFTs receive fair compensation for the essential services we provide. This committee will explore current reimbursement practices, identify gaps, and develop strategies to advocate for improved rates across insurance providers. Your input will help shape future legislative initiatives aimed at securing better financial recognition for our profession.

Telehealth: Telehealth has become an indispensable tool for delivering mental health services, particularly in underserved areas. This committee will focus on the current state of telehealth regulations, challenges, and opportunities for LMFTs. We aim to ensure that telehealth remains a viable and accessible option for both therapists and clients, advocating for policies that support and expand telehealth services across Georgia.

CLICK HERE to let us know which committee you are interested in! 

What would joining a committee entail?

These study committees will play a crucial role in preparing for future legislative efforts. By participating, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of policies that directly impact our profession and the communities we serve.

The amount of time required for participation is yet to be determined, but meetings will be held online to encourage input from our members across the state. This format will allow for broad participation and ensure that voices from all regions of Georgia are heard.

Your insights and expertise are crucial as we continue to enhance our profession and improve mental health access across Georgia. This form allows you to express your interest in learning more about being considered for this committee. Your involvement will play a vital role in guiding our next steps and legislative priorities.

Together, let’s make 2024-25 a year of impactful change and progress for MFTs in Georgia!