Legislative Update — Ariel Cohen, MA, LMFT

CAMFT Facebook Page Legislative Updates - April and July 2025

April 7, 2025

In March, Congress passed H.R. 1968, extending Medicare's telehealth flexibilities through September 30, 2025—meaning no changes to telehealth coverage until October 1, 2025.

But the big news? Telehealth behavioral health services are here to stay! Here are a few key updates:

FQHCs & RHCs can now serve as distant site providers for behavioral/mental health telehealth.

Medicare patients can access telehealth behavioral care from home, regardless of where they live.

Audio-only platforms are also approved.

Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) are now eligible originating sites for telehealth.

We're closely tracking these changes alongside the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition to keep you informed. You can read more here: https://loom.ly/M5GZJcs

#Telehealth #MedicareUpdates #MentalHealthCare #MedicareTelehealth #BehavioralHealth

July 23, 2025

Therapists, take note: The LGBTQ+ support option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ended July 17 due to a federal policy change.

Luckily, California is stepping up to fill the gap.

Through a new partnership with The Trevor Project, 988 counselors in California will receive extra training to better support LGBTQ youth in crisis.

If a client is in crisis, let them know that they can still call, chat, or text 988 and be immediately connected to skilled counselors at all times.

Specialized services for LGBTQ youth are also available via The Trevor Project hotline at 1‑866‑488‑7386 or TheTrevorProject.org/GetHelp

Please help spread the word to clients and families who may be affected.

Read more here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/.../following-trump-cut-to-lgbtq.../

#LGBTQYouth #988Lifeline #CaliforniaTherapists #MentalHealthSupport #CrisisResources

Ariel Cohen, MA, LMFT maintains a full-time private practice in Woodland Hills, CA. He works with children, teens, adults and families, with an emphasis on supporting the special needs community. He can be contacted at 818.674.9834 or ArielCohenLMFT@gmail.com .