Advocacy Alert: Protect MFT Access to Federal Education Funding
I want to take a moment to share an urgent matter impacting the future of our profession — and we need your voice.
CAMFT is calling for immediate action in response to a proposed federal regulatory change that threatens access to graduate education funding for Marriage and Family Therapists and other master’s-level mental health professionals.
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a proposed rule that would redefine which graduate students qualify as “professional students” for higher federal loan limits. As currently drafted, the rule excludes all master’s-level mental health professionals — including MFTs — from eligibility for these higher federal loan limits.
If implemented, new students in MFT programs would be limited to $20,500 per year in federal loans instead of the $50,000 currently available to students pursuing professional degrees such as M.D. or Psy.D. programs.
Additionally, the elimination of new Grad PLUS loans for incoming students beginning July 1, 2026 would further restrict financial access.
What This Means
If finalized as proposed, this rule would:
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Discourage future clinicians from entering the MFT profession
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Deepen existing mental health workforce shortages
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Force students to rely on higher-interest private loans
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Create greater financial barriers for first-generation students
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Disproportionately impact students from underrepresented communities
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Undermine access to care in public and community-based settings
At a time when our communities are facing increasing mental health needs, restricting educational access to future therapists is not only short-sighted — it is harmful.
We Need Your Story
Policy change happens when real stories are shared.
CAMFT has prepared a pre-populated comment letter that outlines the core concerns. We are asking you to take five minutes to personalize it with your own experience — whether as:
Your comment will become part of the public record and will help demonstrate the real-world consequences of this proposal.
Our profession is built on advocacy — for our clients and for each other. This is one of those moments where our collective voice truly matters.
Let us protect the future of the MFT workforce together.
