Legislative Committee & Advocacy

WAMFT’s Advocacy Network collaborates with policy and regulatory stakeholders in Washington state to protect the rights and needs of MFTs in Washington. WAMFT members are empowered to bring their voice to the legislative process through our annual Day on the Hill and other advocacy initiatives. Learn more about our current Advocacy Goals and Legislative Priorities here.

Advocacy Benefits

Telemedicine Pay Parity
Keeping Licensure Costs Down
Increasing MFT Visibility
Ensuring Sustainability & Longevity
LGBTQIA+ Rights
Standing against Racism
And more....

Ashley Haynes-Gibson, M.A., LMFTA: Legislative Co- Chair

anonym_e2d2ae4f79604383b291a61796ebf2b3~mv2_edited.jpg

E. Sally Lee, PhD, LMFTA: Legislative Co- Chair

Advocacy Goals

Past Advocacy Efforts

Ask the Lobbyist

AAMFT Family Team

Legislative Priorities

Donate

DOH Rules in Progress

AAMFT Practice Protection Fund

Legislative Blog

Action Center

Subscribe DOH

Get Involved

Advocacy Fund

Charitable contributions to the WAMFT Advocacy Fund support education, advocacy, and legislative outreach for all MFTs in WA State, in conjunction with WAMFT's legislative advocate Lewis Consulting LLC.

The Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Charitable contributions are generally tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. No goods or services will be provided in exchange for your charitable contribution.

Charitable contributions to this fund will be used to support advocacy efforts, including limited lobbying activities and education. Tax deductibility may be affected depending on your individual tax situation. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance.

Donate Advocacy

Advocacy Goals

These represent the goals for WAMFT's advocacy work spanning several years as approved by WAMFT board and in conjunction with AAMFT.

Tier 1

Actively Managed

Preserve the validity of the MFT credential as a unique license in the field of mental health
- Monitor fees for licensure via DOH
- Health Care Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS)
Licensure reciprocity
- Portability
Increase visibility of MFTs statewide
Build partnership with lawmakers and stakeholders
Preserve Medicaid services
- Healthcare known provider training
- Certification
- Rates
- Navigator

Tier 2

Monitored or Research

Mental health crisis response and implementation

Tier 3

Deferred to Next Biennium -TBD

Autism Diagnosis Privilege for MFTs
- do additional research and potentially provide educational
  services
MFTs in schools
State loan forgiveness inclusion
Intern pay

Legislative Priorities

Legislative Priorities

Advocacy & Legislative Updates Blog

Important National Updates from AAMFT Family TEAM & Their Impact on Washington MFTs

AAMFT Family TEAM is advancing key national policies impacting MFTs — from payment parity and VA promotion equity to telehealth protections, student loan changes, and loan repayment opportunities. As a WAMFT member, you’re connected to this momentum. Review these updates for initiatives shaping reimbursement, leadership pathways, and practice sustainability here in Washington. Read on to see what this means for WA MFTs.

Ashley Haynes-Gibson, MA, LMFTA -- Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Feb 23

Invitation: Messy Conversations—Race, Politics & Media: Today @ 12pm PST

How do race, politics, and media intersect in shaping the world we experience every day? Join this open community conversation for thoughtful dialogue, shared reflection, and meaningful engagement across perspectives in a supportive environment.

Ashley Haynes-Gibson, MA, LMFTA -- Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Feb 23

WAMFT Legislative Committee Kicks Off the 2026 Session

WAMFT’s Legislative Committee has kicked off the session with website updates, refreshed 2026 advocacy goals, and planning for our next legislative advocacy event and fundraising efforts. We’ve also joined the Behavioral Health Coalition and engaged in advocacy around HB 2429 to ensure frontline clinicians are represented. Students, LMFTAs, and LMFTs are warmly invited to join us as we build momentum for the year ahead.

Ashley Haynes-Gibson, MA, LMFTA -- Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Feb 21

Legislative Session Update, from our Advocate Amber Lewis

The Legislature has passed key deadlines and is now considering bills in the opposite chamber as budget negotiations move forward. SB 6346 (the Millionaire’s Tax) has cleared the Senate and is now in the House. The bill would apply a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million to support public services. With session ending March 12, the next few weeks will be critical. We’ll continue monitoring developments that impact MFTs across Washington.

Ashley Haynes-Gibson, MA, LMFTA -- Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Feb 21

Legislative Update: Tight Budget Outlook Limits New Funding This Session

With no proviso process this year, Washington lawmakers are pausing new funding requests for behavioral health. WAMFT is focused on protecting essential services and strengthening our collective advocacy presence.

Ashley Haynes-Gibson, MA, LMFTA -- Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Nov 7, 2025

Engaging with CRIS: Why 988 (and Your Voice) Matter.

How CRIS is shaping 988 and crisis care in WA, why it matters for MFTs, and where to engage—plus links to the CRIS page, Lived Experience agenda, and committee roster.

Ashley Haynes-Gibson, MA, LMFTA -- Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Nov 6, 2025

Legislative Updates

Ask the Lobbyist

Ask The Legislative Consultant

Ask Lewis Consulting LLC to learn about their essential role in protecting the profession of ALL MFTs across WA State

Amber Lewis

Ask Here!

WAMFT Ask the Lobbyist Series

AAMFT Advocacy & Practice Protection Fund

Donate to AAMFT PPF

AAMFT monitors federal legislation and policies that affect the marriage and family therapy profession. For recent updates on advocacy initiatives, please take a look at AAMFT's Advocacy Blog.

Visit AAMFT's Federal Advocacy webpage to access fact sheets and useful resources on topics such as Veterans Access to MFTs, HIPAA, Medicare, and more.

AAMFT PRACTICE PROTECTION FUND

AAMFT continues to strive for the sustainability, recognition, and protection of the Marriage and Family Therapy field at the federal level while also supporting state advocacy efforts. We are asking for your continued support by donating to the Practice Protection Fund (PPF), which is used to continue paying for the state lobbying efforts in your state. As the PPF continues to receive donations, we can continue the advocacy efforts in Washington and beyond.