Best Practices by Natalie Jambazian, MFT Intern

California Changes for MFT Interns

Attention: MFT Interns and Supervisors

After much debate and many challenges, a new law states the title, "MFT Intern," will be changed to "Associate." It is an exciting, new beginning for pre-licensed therapists who wish to be recognized as professionals with a Master's degree, rather than interns, whereas some people may have a different perspective of what an MFT Intern's position entails. Pre-licensed therapists will no longer have a persona of students currently in school, but rather as qualified and skilled professionals. It will clarify the role we have in our field and avoid confusion of what it means to be an MFT Intern.

I also know of for-profit organizations that are not paying their interns. I believe and hope this change will bring about more validation and less taking advantage of interns without paying for their services. As a current intern, I know I love my job so much I would take on a position that did not pay for my services. Some employers, in fact, illegally employ interns, while others do so, legally. Where do we draw the line? I am thankful we have advocates such as Ben Caldwell who empathizes, and takes action to change the governing policies of our profession to those that are fair, all around. For further information, I have provided below his website and the articles he has written.

The title change from "Intern" to "Associate" will be effective January 1, 2018. This means many changes to business cards, and how interns will address their new title. Until then, interns can make changes, however, they cannot be distributed in any form until January 1st, 2018. BBS will also be updating the new law as it comes closer to the effective date. Previously, the relevant titles were "MFT Registered Intern" or "MFTI, Marriage and Family Therapist Intern." Now, the titles will be written as "Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" or "Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist." The abbreviation acceptable under the new law will be written as "AMFT." "MFTA" will not be acceptable. Interns who are advertising and have materials currently being used under the old law can continue doing so. I presently have made new business cards and flyers with the title change so that I can start using it January 1st. For all interns and supervisors — make sure you don't spend money creating materials with the old title. I have provided below additional resources to learn more about these changes.

For more information:

Ben Caldwell
http://www.psychotherapynotes.com/california-change-counseling-mft-intern-title-associate/

BBS
http://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/title_change_faq.pdf

Natalie Jambazian is a Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Intern working in private practice under the supervision of Anita Avedian, LMFT, CAMS IV. Natalie is currently an Anger Management facilitator through Anger Management Essentials and NAMA facilitating groups in Sherman oaks and Glendale. Anger Management 818 accepts both volunteer and court ordered clients, In addition, Natalie works with children, teens, and adults and her specialty includes but not limited to anger management, ADHD, PTSD, divorce, and grief. Natalie has received training in NLP, CBT, Mindfulness, and Trauma Focused Therapy. She is fluent in Armenian as her second dialect and can be reached at 818.334.8786 or via email at www.therapywithNatalie.org, Please visit her website at www.Angermanagement818.com.