Dear LMFTs, OAMFT members, and other LMFT professionals,

The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) decided to restructure their organization and no longer offer state-wide interest networks. Because of this, the Oregon Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (OAMFT) needed to dissolve and could no longer offer membership benefits. 

The Oregon Counseling Association (ORCA) has represented the interests of LPCs and LMFTs through lobbying efforts, networking events, and CE opportunities. LPCs and LMFTs both represent the board and have served on the executive council for many years. 

Last month, a unanimous and enthusiastic decision was reached by the ORCA board to announce efforts to welcome our colleagues. We are pleased to announce that in recognition of already paid, non-refundable dues to AAMFT, LMFTs, OAMFT members, and other LMFT professionals will be able to join ORCA for $1 for a one year membership! In addition, our Fall conference will focus on Family Systems Theory (dates & location TBD). 

Being an ORCA member comes with many benefits. This includes advocacy and legislation efforts by the Coalition of Oregon Professional Associations for Counseling and Therapy (COPACT), discounts on CE events and our annual conference, free networking opportunities, access to a members-only listserv to help find referrals and resources, a free 30-minute consultation with mental health attorney Paul Cooney, and a wonderful quarterly newsletter with pieces written by Oregon clinicians. 

Since 2010, COPACT has acted as the political arm of ORCA and OAMFT by retaining lobbyists in order to advance access to quality mental health care for all Oregonians. On a funding level, COPACT has been dependent on ORCA, OAMFT, and direct contributions from members and non-members.

As more LMFTs join ORCA, we can continue our legislative efforts to support Oregon counselors, therapists, and our clients. This year COPACT reviewed 120 bills and was very influential in drafting HB 3046, which enforces parity, reimbursement rates, and network adequacy that will have long-lasting benefits to providers and clients. You can visit COPACT’s website to see some of the work COPACT has done and to make a contribution. 

We encourage our LMFT, LMFT Intern, and LMFT student colleagues to join ORCA for just $1! The offer expires on December 31, 2021 so join us now for this low rate while also receiving all the benefits of ORCA membership! Your membership will resume to the normal ORCA rate after 1 full year of membership. Our membership levels are: Students and Retiree $53. Pre-licensed interns $82. Associates/Professionals $111, and $106 for that level’s auto-renewal. 

To all AAMFT members—while OAMFT is no longer a part of AAMFT, we know many members will want to continue their membership with AAMFT, and we applaud that.  Family Team is the advocacy aspect of AAMFT, and if you wish to work on legislative issues through AAMFT, we encourage you to email Steve Rodgers, at stephen.rodgers57@gmail.com and let him know.  

You can also join ORCA on Facebook and Instagram!

Thank you and welcome to ORCA.

Jeffrey Christensen, LPC | ORCA President-Elect

Steve Rodgers, LMFT | Past OAMFT Chair

Tever Nickerson, LPC | ORCA President

Gianna Russo-Mitma, LMFT | OACES President, ORCA Past President 

Larry Conner, LPC | COPACT President

AndreaWright Johnston, LMFT | COPACT President Elect