A Message from the President

Dear WAMFT Community,

I hope you are finding moments of rest, connection, and renewal this summer.

On July 11, WAMFT’s board and committee leaders gathered for a full-day strategic planning retreat. It was energizing to spend dedicated time together reflecting on where our organization is today and thoughtfully planning for its future.

Throughout the retreat, we focused on strengthening committee roles and communication, improving our operational systems, planning responsibly for 2027, and creating clearer pathways for members to move from interest to volunteer service and organizational leadership. We also discussed ways to deepen student engagement, strengthen our legislative communication, and develop sustainable programs that provide meaningful value to our members.

I left the retreat grateful for the people who give their time, experience, and energy to WAMFT—and encouraged by the clarity and momentum we are building together. Our goal is not simply to accomplish more, but to ensure that the work we undertake is connected to our mission and responsive to the needs of Washington’s MFT community.

That commitment is reflected in the newest addition to our board. I am delighted to welcome Rebekah Woods, who will serve as WAMFT’s Legislative and Advocacy Chair. Rebekah joins us at an important moment for our profession. Her leadership will help WAMFT strengthen communication about legislative and regulatory developments, elevate the perspectives of MFTs, and make advocacy more accessible and meaningful for our members.

There is certainly important work ahead. Federal changes affecting graduate student borrowing took effect July 1, including new loan limits and the elimination of the Grad PLUS program. At the same time, ongoing litigation has kept aspects of the federal “professional degree” classification in flux. These changes may have significant implications for future MFT students and, ultimately, for the behavioral health workforce and the communities we serve.

Here in Washington, issues involving insurance practices, provider relationships, workforce development, licensure, and access to behavioral health care continue to deserve our attention. These policy conversations can sometimes feel distant from the therapy room, but they shape who can enter our profession, how clinicians are supported, and whether individuals, couples, and families can access the care they need. WAMFT will continue monitoring these developments and sharing opportunities for members to learn, speak up, and participate.

Beyond policy, we also recognize the weight many therapists are carrying as we support clients through uncertainty, division, financial stress, and rapidly changing social conditions. I hope we can continue to be a professional community that offers one another connection, encouragement, and a shared sense of purpose.

Looking ahead, I am especially excited about our annual conference. It will be a wonderful opportunity to learn together, reconnect with colleagues, welcome new members into our community, and celebrate the work being done by MFTs throughout Washington. I am truly looking forward to connecting with each of you there.

With appreciation,

Billie Tyler, PhD, LMFT