Chapter Statements

EBCAMFT Solidarity Statement

Fall 2026

EBCAMFT Solidarity & Commitment to Our Community

Dear EBCAMFT Members,

In 2020, EBCAMFT shared a statement standing in solidarity with our BIPOC community and speaking out against racial injustice. Six years later, we know that solidarity cannot simply live in a statement. It has to show up in what we do, who we make space for, and how we support one another.

Our East Bay community is incredibly diverse, and we want EBCAMFT to be a place where people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. We stand with our BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, neurodivergent, and other historically marginalized communities, and we recognize that many of our members and clients hold multiple, intersecting identities.

As therapists, we also know that what is happening in the world does not stay outside of the therapy room. Racism, ableism, discrimination, barriers to care, and attacks on people's identities and sense of belonging have real impacts on mental health. We have a responsibility to continue learning, listening, and doing better.

For EBCAMFT, that means taking action. We are committed to:

• Bringing in diverse speakers and providing trainings that address cultural humility, racial equity, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, disability and accessibility, neurodiversity, bias, and culturally responsive practice.
• Creating more opportunities for clinicians from historically underrepresented communities to connect, be heard, and step into leadership within EBCAMFT. 
• Looking at our events, programming, communications, and leadership through an equity, inclusion, and accessibility lens.
• Building stronger relationships with organizations and communities throughout the East Bay that serve marginalized and underserved populations. 
• Listening to our members and creating space for feedback, new ideas, and conversations that may not always be easy but are necessary. 
• Continuing to revisit these commitments so they remain part of how we operate as a Chapter—not something we only talk about when there is a crisis.

We will not always get everything right. What we can do is remain open, accountable, willing to listen, and willing to grow. We want EBCAMFT to reflect the community we serve. We hope you will be part of that with us—whether that means attending a training, sharing a resource, bringing us an idea, joining a conversation, or getting involved with our Board.

There is room for you here.

EBCAMFT Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Mission Statement

Summer 2026

EBCAMFT affirms and reaffirms our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. As stated in our mission statement, "we strive to foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and mutual respect among our members." This has not changed. Over time, it has become more deeply rooted in our presence and our practices through:

• ongoing networking among like-minded clinicians and members,

• continuing education and learning opportunities centered on DEI, and

• the range of identities, values, abilities, and cultural knowledge our members bring into every room.

Diversity is the wide spectrum of our differences and unique characteristics. Equity addresses the historical and systemic disadvantages that were created in response to fear of these differences by resourcing and providing opportunities. Inclusion is the acknowledgment and welcoming of these differences and uniqueness, while also creating spaces where our characteristics, abilities, and range of cultural knowledge can thrive.

Our commitment to inclusion acknowledges the societal power structures and tensions currently causing the disparities at play. It is an action to reduce barriers to continued education, quality professional relationships, and resources. And it is an ongoing process, where both board and members are in thought partnership toward a greater understanding of belonging.

What we are all committing to, as members of EBCAMFT:

• Examining our own blind spots and biases, including the ones our privilege prevents us from easily seeing.
• Welcoming feedback about harm or exclusion without defensiveness, and treating that feedback as information, not accusation.
• Making visible shifts in our practices and our organization when barriers are identified.

This is not a one-time acknowledgment. It is a standing responsibility that comes with being part of this organization, held by the board and the membership together.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to how we practice. They are rooted in the East Bay, a region with decades of organizing for racial, economic, and disability justice, and with deep and ongoing linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity. We see our work as part of that legacy, not separate from it, and we hold ourselves accountable to the communities and history that surround us.

Code of Ethics

East Bay CAMFT Code of Ethics outlines the principles, standards, and guidelines that members of the group are expected to adhere to in their professional practice as well as while being a member of East Bay CAMFT:

1. Client Welfare and Autonomy: Members of the group shall prioritize the well-being and autonomy of their clients, promoting their self-determination and respecting their rights to privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent.
2. Competence and Professionalism: Members shall maintain a high level of competence in their clinical practice, staying informed about current research, best practices, and ethical standards in the field of psychotherapy. They shall engage in ongoing professional development and seek supervision or consultation when necessary.
3. Integrity and Honesty: Members shall conduct themselves with integrity, honesty, and transparency in all professional interactions, avoiding conflicts of interest, dual relationships, or unethical behaviors that could compromise their clients' trust or welfare.
4. Cultural Competence and Diversity: Members shall demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in their work with clients from diverse backgrounds, respecting their unique identities, experiences, and perspectives. They shall strive to create a culturally inclusive and affirming therapeutic environment.
5. Confidentiality and Privacy: Members shall uphold the confidentiality of client information and maintain appropriate boundaries in their professional relationships. They shall only disclose client information with the client's explicit consent or as required by law or ethical guidelines.
6. Professional Boundaries and Relationships: Members shall establish and maintain clear, ethical boundaries in their relationships with clients, colleagues, and other professionals, avoiding any behavior that could exploit or harm those they serve.
7. Ethical Decision Making: Members shall engage in ethical decision-making processes, considering the potential impact of their actions on clients, colleagues, and the profession as a whole. They shall seek guidance or consultation when facing ethical dilemmas or uncertainties.
8. Supervision and Consultation: Members shall engage in regular supervision, consultation, or peer support to enhance their clinical practice, receive feedback, and address any challenges or concerns that arise in their work.
9. Professional Responsibility: Members shall take responsibility for their actions and behaviors, acknowledging and addressing any mistakes, errors, or ethical violations in a timely and appropriate manner.
10. Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Members shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards governing the practice of psychotherapy in their jurisdiction, including licensure requirements and ethical guidelines established by professional organizations.
11. Promotion of the Profession: Members shall promote the integrity, credibility, and value of the psychotherapy profession, advocating for policies and practices that uphold ethical standards and protect the interests of clients and practitioners alike.
12. Continued Commitment to Ethics: Members shall commit to upholding the principles and standards outlined in this code of ethics, recognizing that ethical practice is a lifelong journey of learning, reflection, and growth.