Federal Policy Changes Affecting MFT Education & Workforce: An Informational Town Hall

HIAMFT invites members to attend a virtual informational Town Hall focused on recent federal policy changes affecting Marriage and Family Therapy degree classification, student loan access, and workforce sustainability.

This session is designed to provide timely updates, clarify what is currently known at the federal and national levels, and outline practical advocacy considerations for MFTs, students, supervisors, and training programs here in Hawaii. The discussion will focus on sharing information, addressing member questions, and ensuring our professional community is informed and prepared as this issue continues to evolve.

What Will Be Covered

Participants can expect:

• An overview of recent federal policy changes and how they affect MFT degree designation

• National updates on advocacy efforts and anticipated timelines

• Discussion of potential impacts on students, workforce development, and access to care

• Opportunities for member questions and dialogue

Featured Speakers

• Dr. John Souza, DMFT, LMFT
  Assistant Professor 
  Human Development & Family Science 
  Department of Family & Consumer Sciences 
  University of Hawai'i-Mānoa 
  Former President, Hawaiian Islands Association for Marriage & Family Therapy

• Roger D. Smith, J.D.
  Chief Advocacy Officer & General Counsel,
  American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

• Colin Moore, MS, LMFT
  President, Hawaiian Islands Association for Marriage & Family Therapy

Why Attend

This Town Hall offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from national and state leaders, gain clarity on a rapidly developing policy issue, and better understand how individual and collective engagement can support the MFT profession during this time.

This session is informational in nature and intended for licensed MFTs, students, supervisors, educators, and allied professionals.