DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice) Statement

Psychotherapists and those in the mental health field are agents of change. As the leadership of SB-CAMFT, we believe in and have seen how psychotherapy, therapeutic relationships, and mental health professionals can be agents of positive change. We also acknowledge that psychotherapy has historically been used at times to marginalize and oppress those considered in minority groups. We are committed to doing our part to enact change where we have the position, privilege, and resources to do so.

Recognizing this commitment, the SB-CAMFT leadership wholeheartedly and without reservation disavows all forms of discrimination. This includes but is not limited to, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, classism, ableism, ageism, and hate speech or actions that attempt to silence, threaten, and degrade others. We also affirm our solidarity with those individuals and groups most at risk. Furthermore, we declare that embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and working for justice for all people is central to the mission of our organization. 

We firmly acknowledge that we must do more than put words on paper. Therefore, we are committed to working in practical and substantive ways to take action in our organization and community. 

The Board of SB-CAMFT commits to the following action items:

Plan of Action for 2024 and beyond: 

1. We commit to active recruitment for membership of underrepresented portions of our community by improving our data collection and analysis.

2. We commit to a designated budget for our Diversity Initiatives, including events, training, scholarships, and active recruitment of board members and volunteers for ongoing diversity efforts. 

3. We commit to fostering spaces where all members are welcome to express their diverse identities and that are responsive to the needs of underrepresented affinity groups of therapists, for example, consultation groups, networking events, and other opportunities for connection. 

4. We commit to programming that increases diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice awareness. This programming includes content and presenters in our workshops, training, and special events.

5. We commit to challenging oppression and structural and procedural inequities in society, in general, and in local therapeutic, agency, and academic settings in particular.

We acknowledge that we have much to learn and work to do. We recognize that this will be a living document that may change as we learn and grow. 

We value your voice in this process. Suppose you feel that our leadership or programming needs to meet this commitment. In that case, we encourage you to get involved and begin a dialogue with those in leadership. It is undeniable that the success of SB-CAMFT relies on the participation, support, and understanding of all its members. To be in touch, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Diversity Director, who can be reached at diversitydirector@sbcamft.org. To get involved and share ideas, comments, concerns, or kudos, you're welcome to join our Diversity Subcommittee. 

The SB-CAMFT Diversity Subcommittee sends heartfelt thanks to both LA-CAMFT and SF-CAMFT for their help in putting together this statement via their generous language sharing and impressive action lists. 

It is long overdue to recognize that our organization is located on the unceded traditional homeland of the Barbareño-Chumash people. We respectfully acknowledge them as the original caretakers of the land and ocean before colonization by Spanish missionaries. The Barbareño band of Chumash people have faced genocide, disease, and immense loss surrounding their traditional beliefs and customs, alongside the continued occupation of their lands. Today, their descendants long for recognition in the aftermath of prolonged erasure and exclusion. We acknowledge the ways in which we have benefitted from colonial practices and aim to uplift and respect the voices of the Barbareño people.

Wishing health and healing to you and yours. May you find yourself centered in feelings of abundance, safety, belonging, and peace.

Standing together,

The SB-CAMFT Board of Directors and Diversity Subcommittee

Scholarship for pre-licensed clinicians who identify as BIPOC

If you are a prelicensed student or associate who identifies as BIPOC, we have a scholarship available. Please check out our prelicensed page for more information.

*Recipients will be announced at our annual holiday party in December.