MAMFT is shocked and saddened by the tragic killing of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, as well as the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman. We extend our deepest condolences to the Hortman family and send healing thoughts to the Hoffman family.  

MAMFT is deeply troubled that two elected officials in Minnesota were targeted by what appears to be politically-motivated violence. As mental health professionals, we believe that the way to resolve our differences is through discussion and collaboration, not through violence. We recognize the pain of the families torn apart, and acknowledge that these acts impact all Minnesotans. Many of our members, and their clients, will have the heavy task of working to hold and process grief, fear, and anger in response to these events.

The children of Melissa and Mark Hortman made a statement that included a list of options to honor their parents' memory. MAMFT encourages you to lean into your support systems, and consider engaging in one of these beautiful tributes (and self-care activities) to help navigate this difficult time.

• Plant a tree
• Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail
• Pet a dog, a golden retriever is ideal, but any will do
• Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke, and laugh about it
• Bake something - bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone
• Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something
• Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace

MAMFT will continue to work with our advocacy partners at NAMI MN's Mental Health Legislative Network on how to respond to this tragedy, and we will continue to stand up for justice and peace. 

Signed,

MAMFT's Board of Directors

On Monday June 9th, a bill passed the MN Legislature that would increase Medicare (MA) rates for mental health services in MN starting in 2026. While this bill does not include pay parity for Marriage and Family Services, there is still a lot to celebrate. The bill states all mental health services covered by MA in MN would be increased to match Federal Medicare rates. In addition, the current “masters-level cutback”, which reimburses masters-level clinicians at 80% of the MA rate, will be eliminated. This means masters-level clinicians will see an additional 20% rate increase for MA services!

The major caveat is that funding for these rate increases is tied to a “provider tax” on health plans (insurance companies). This funding mechanism requires federal approval, before the rate increases can take effect in MN. Unfortunately, a pending federal rule on provider taxes and the current iteration of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” would eliminate the funding sources needed for the MA rate increases.

MAMFT is working with our advocacy partners on options to support this rate increase at the federal level. Stay tuned for more updates, as we will need member support in contacting our federal representatives from Minnesota on this issue. If you have any questions, or want to join MAMFT’s Advocacy Committee, please contact President@mamft.net for more information.

Tune in to hear from James McAuley & the MAMFT Board about the benefits of being involved in volunteer leadership at MAMFT and the ongoing Board elections season!

Check out the video here!

The MN Society for Clinical Social Work is working to secure data on the impact of Optum's (insurance company) new policy. Optum have recently stopped offering any new contracts that allow for supervisees (pre-licensed professionals) to bill for services under their supervisor's license. In order to push back on this policy, they need to show how this policy negatively impacts the public. MAMFT supports our partners at the MN Society for Clinical Social Work in their work of gathering data to advocate for Optum to reconsider their policy. We encourage our members who are affected to fill out and share MN Society for Clinical Social Work's feedback form!

MAMFT is proud to announce that it has joined a 100+ organizations in signing a letter urging the federal representatives from the state of MN to protect Medicaid and Health Coverage. Read the full letter below and contact your US Congressional legislators today to advocate for the protection of these crucial health programs by asking them to vote NO on the budget reconciliation bill!

Protect Medicaid and Health Care Coverage-Sign-On Letter.pdf

MAMFT is attending the DeLaSalle Career Fair and are looking for volunteers to join us in talking to students about the field of marriage and family therapy! 

The event will take place at DeLaSalle High School on April 10th from 9:30-11:30am. We will be hosting a table where students in their junior or senior year will be welcome to visit to learn more about the field of marriage and family therapy, what it takes to get there, and why this is such an amazing field of work!

If you're interested in joining us, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA9AA23ABFDC61-55979113-delasalle

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to volunteer@mamft.net

Please email CV to executivedirector@mamft.net, subject "Admin/Comm Coordinator Position".

Learn more about this position below: 

Job Description_Final.pdf

Are you a practice owner? Or in leadership within a healthcare organizaiton? Please consider adding your organization's name today to urge the Minnesota Legislature to protect health care for Minnesotans by opposing federal proposals threatening Medicaid.

Here’s the form to add your name, and secure ongoing information in this effort. Please sign or share with leadership who may be interested.

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hJNtMUxlvn_CMFMOTCnkt4kqoQFd42OPC7-DoG3YhnE/viewform?ts=678abdbf&edit_requested=true

MAMFT has a committee of volunteers who work to ensure our organization not only has DEI policies in place, but is walking the walk of those policies and improving all the time. We know that in order to do this effectively, we need you, our MFT community! This is an opporutnity to *do* something that aims at improving the community for both professionals and our clients. Will you consider joining our committee?

We currently meet virtually as a committee monthly on the second Friday of each month at 9am. Volunteer opportunties range from joining the committee regularly and taking on projects between meetings to doing one-off projects that support the greater committee, organization, and community.

Reach out to socialjustice@mamft.net to learn more and join.

MAMFT's annual report is now available

The 2023 - 2024 Annual Report is now available. A huge thank you to all of our members, sponsors, and supporters in monumental year for our organization. 

Annual Report.pdf