Forum Rules

We want all of our members to feel welcome on the Forum. Please read below for our Forum rules. By using the Forum, you automatically agree to these rules. Any members that violate these agreements may lose their access to the Forum. If you have any questions about these rules please feel free to email secretary@sbcamft.org.

Post Categories

Be sure to post in the appropriate category that matches your post (e.g. Referrals, Resources, Now Hiring, etc.).

Post Subject Line

Be very specific in the subject line so that members can decide whether to open your message. Examples:

• Office to rent in Santa Barbara 

• Seeking EMDR referral in Montecito 

• Opening new practice in Goleta 

• Announcing eating disorders group in Santa Barbara 

• Question regarding informed consent w/client phone calls

• ISO Aetna provider for teens in Lompoc

Post Content 

The Forum is a great tool for networking, finding resources and referrals, and discussing issues such as office policies, insurance-related concerns and legislative issues. Please review the following guidelines regarding message content:

• Content is to be directly related to our work as mental health providers.

• Keep messages brief.

• Refer members to relevant websites for additional information about events, trainings, etc.

• No virus warnings, jokes, petitions, or other mass mailings please.

• No political endorsements or political statements.

• Maintain a respectful tone towards your colleagues who may hold differing opinions.

• No advertisements of non-SB CAMFT members. This includes supervisors posting on behalf of their associates; associates must be members and post for themselves. 

• Please note supervisors may post on behalf of their practice ie “My practice is accepting new clients” but NOT “These associates are accepting new clients at my practice.”

Post Publication Timeline 

The Forum is managed every 24-48 hours so you can expect your post to go through within 2 days of posting. For announcements regarding weekend events or other time sensitive matters, please plan accordingly when submitting.

Legal and Ethical Considerations 

In order to comply with CAMFTs ethical standards and the laws that govern our profession, it is important to consider the following when posting to the E-Tree.

Fees 

Any discussion of our professional fees is strictly prohibited per anti-trust laws. References to policies and practices regarding fees are allowable as long as no actual fees are disclosed.  State CAMFT regulations do not allow members to inquire about fees for services. Please note you may include your own fees for services or salary for job postings.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Privacy is a fundamental right of every person who consults with a therapist. The protection and preservation of client confidentiality is one of the most important tenets of our profession. When making a referral or seeking resources for a client or potential client, be careful not to divulge too much identifying information. Ask yourself, If someone knew this person, could they possibly recognize him or her from these details? Less is best when it comes to discussing our cases online. In the context of the E-Tree, gender, approximate age, presenting issue and geographic location are usually enough to give a sense of the client.

Whenever possible, rather than including identifiable information, instead focus on the type of resource. For example, “ISO therapist experienced working with adolescents and grief” instead of “ISO therapist for a sixteen  year-old cis-female experiencing grief following the loss of her older brother to suicide”.

Terms of Use 

Adherence to these rules and guidelines is required for members to participate in the Forum.  Members who violate these rules will be removed from accessing the Forum.