CALIFORNIA BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES - WINTER 2026 NEWSLETTER - VOL. 12 NO. 1

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Theodore

Winter 2026 issue of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences newsletter, Volume 12, Number 1. Highlights include recruitment of Subject Matter Experts for examination development, progress toward adoption of the AMFTRB National Examination, review of education requirements for LMFT licensure, and supervision reminders such as establishing valid Supervision Agreements and not signing on a supervisor’s behalf. Also covers the new BBS email subscriber list for supervisors and the one-time Supervisor Self-Assessment Report due within 60 days of first-time supervision.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

BOARD CHAIR REPORT WINTER 2026

New: BBS Email Subscriber List for Supervisors

Important Reminder: Supervisor Self-Assessment Report: A One-Time Report Required for All Supervisors

Supervision via Videoconferencing Now Permanent

How Applicants Can Help Avoid Delays

2026 Statutes and Regulations Book Now Available Online

Interested in Helping Develop Licensure Exams?

Help Patients Heal from ACEs

You’re Invited: Participate in Board and Committee Meetings

CALIFORNIA BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES W I N T E R 2 0 2 6 N E W S L E T T E R VOL . 12 NO . 1 IN THIS ISSUE NEW: BBS Email Subscriber List for Supervisors......2 Important Reminder: Supervisor Self-Assessment Report: A One-Time Report Required for All Supervisors .....................................................................2 Supervision via Videoconferencing Now Permanent..............................................................2 How Applicants Can Help Avoid Delays ....................3 2026 Statutes and Regulations Book Now Available Online....................................................3 Interested in Helping Develop Licensure Exams? ...4 Help Patients Heal from ACEs .....................................6 You’re Invited: Participate in Board and Committee Meetings .....................................................8 Update from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) ...........10 BBS Staf Profle........................................................... 12 Part 3: Words That Healed: How Therapists Help Dismantle Shame......................................................... 13 Stay Informed About What’s Happening with BBS! ...................................................................... 13 Strategies for Avoiding Clinician Impairment Through Self-Care........................................................ 14 Online Is Easier and Faster! ....................................... 16 Enforcement Actions ................................................... 16 Formal Disciplinary Actions........................................ 17 Upcoming Meeting Dates...................................... Back Events to Remember .............................................. Back BOARD CHAIR REPORT WINTER 2026 As we begin the new year, the Board extends its warmest wishes to all licensees, registrants, and applicants. We are grateful foryour continued commitment to serving Californians and for the important work you do every day to support the mental health and well-being of our communities. I’d like to take a moment to share a few important updates and reminders as the Board continues its work to support licensees and protect the public. One ongoing priority is recruiting Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to assist with examination development. Our exams are strongest when they refect the realities of practice, and that only happens when experienced, diverse professionals are willing to lend their expertise. If you’ve ever considered getting involved, this is a meaningful way to give back to the profession. See page 4 for information on how to participate. Many of you have also been following the Board’s progress toward adopting the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National Examination. Planning for this transition is underway, and the Board remains focused on ensuring the change is thoughtful, well coordinated, and clearly communicated. We will continue to share updates as key milestones are reached. In addition, the Board’s Workforce Development Committee has begun reviewing the education requirements for LMFT licensure. This work is part of a broader efort to evaluate whether current requirements continue to support a strong, competent workforce while keeping pace with changes in education, training models, and service delivery. We welcome your input during this review, and any potential recommendations will be shared and discussed during the committee meeting. For meeting dates, please see the back page of this newsletter. I’d also like to reinforce a few important supervision reminders. A valid Supervision Agreement must be established, and applicants are not permitted to sign on their supervisor’s behalf, including on Weekly Logs or Experience Verifcation forms. These rules safeguard applicants, supervisors, and consumers while maintaining the integrity of the licensure process. Similarly, reg

FAQs

Who must submit the Supervisor Self-Assessment Report, and when is it due?

Licensees supervising an individual earning hours toward LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC licensure must complete and submit the Supervisor Self-Assessment Report within 60 days of commencing supervision for the first time.

Can applicants sign documents on a supervisor’s behalf for supervision records?

No. Applicants are not permitted to sign on their supervisor’s behalf, including on Weekly Logs or Experience Verification forms.

What is the purpose of creating a BBS email subscriber list for supervisors?

Supervisors who subscribe receive updates, resources, and important information related to supervision so they can stay connected and informed.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Theodore

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