California Counseling Association upcoming events

AI in the Therapy Room: Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and Clinical Integrity (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Come and Join CCA for

AI in the Therapy Room: Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and Clinical Integrity

AI tools are increasingly present in clinical practice, from AI notetaker to treatment planning support. But many clinicians are unsure how to evaluate their safety, ethics, and clinical value. This session, led by two licensed clinicians and a clinical technology specialist, offers an informed look at how AI is being used in therapy today. Presenters will unpack how AI tools are built and trained, why general-purpose tools like ChatGPT carry privacy risks for clinical use, and what distinguishes purpose-built clinical AI from consumer tools. The session covers informed consent and client transparency, the impact of AI on the therapeutic alliance, and practical ways AI can reduce documentation burden and burnout while strengthening audit readiness. Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for evaluating and responsibly integrating AI into their own practice.

The Presenters

Ann Dypiangco, LCSW

Vivian Chung Easton, LMFT

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key ethical and legal considerations relevant to using AI tools in clinical practice, including informed consent and confidentiality.

2. Evaluate the potential benefits and risks of AI-assisted documentation and treatment planning on clinical accuracy and the therapeutic alliance.

3. Describe the difference between general-purpose AI tools and clinically-focused AI platforms with respect to data privacy and security.

4. Apply best practices for transparent, consent-based AI use with clients in both in-person and virtual settings.

5. Determine how AI tools can reduce administrative burden and clinician burnout while maintaining clinical integrity and audit readiness.

Session Details

WHEN: September 23, 2026 from 12p- 1p

WHERE: Online. Link will be provided upon registration

COST: Free for CCA Members and Non-Members

CEs: Yes of course, You'll earn 1 Ethics CE credit upon successful completion of the webinar, completion of the survey and attendance verified by online means during the session.

View CCAs Continuing Education and Event Refund Policy

PLEASE REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE

This session graciously brought to you by

CCA is credentialed by the BBS as a Continuing Education Provider, #PCE3912, pursuant to Section 1887.4.3. CCA is authorized to award Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to licensed LPCCs, LMFTs, LCSWs and LEPs for use in California only. Please see our full Continuing Education and event policy on our webpage.

Counseling Advocacy in Action: CCA Legislative & Advocacy Town Hall (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Advocacy is a central part of the counseling profession, yet many counselors and counselors-in-training are unsure how to engage in legislative advocacy or how policy decisions affect their daily work. The California Counseling Association’s Legislative & Advocacy Committee is hosting an Advocacy Town Hall to help bridge that gap.

The California Counseling Association invites you to join us for our FIRST Legislative and Advocacy Town Hall focused on strengthening the counseling profession in California.

Introducing CCA’s legislative and advocacy priorities, this meeting will:

- Highlight current state and national issues affecting Counselors,

- Offer practical guidance on how members can engage in legislative advocacy,

- Discuss the role of advocacy in professional counseling, how advocacy differs from client advocacy or self-advocacy, and how counselors can participate in advocacy efforts at the state and national level.

Special Guests:

Steve Sodegren, Executive Officer, Board of Behavioral Sciences

Government Affairs, American Counseling Association

Who: All Counselors, Counselor Educators, Supervisors, Associates, Students, and Counseling Leaders. CCA Members and Prospective Members Invited.

When: Friday, October 16, 2026 from 12p-1p

Where: Online/Zoom

Session will be recorded for those not able to attend.

CCA is always recruiting new members to join us on the Legislative and Advocacy Committee. Drop us a line at info@cacounseling.org to learn more about getting involved in advocating for the profession. A member of our team will be in touch soon.

CCA Networking Event - Northern California, Sonoma County (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Some gatherings are about learning. This one is about enjoying.

Join CCA and fellow Northern California counselors for an afternoon of wine tasting, vineyard walks, and genuine connection at López Family Vineyards in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County — a family-farmed estate rooted in the land since 1978.

The López family came to California from Guanajuato, Mexico and spent decades growing some of the finest fruit in Sonoma County before launching their own label in 2023. Their story is one of perseverance, craft, and deep community roots — values that resonate with this profession.

What to expect:

Wine tasting featuring estate Cabernet Franc Rose, Malbec, and Petit Verdot
A walk through a working Northern California vineyard
Easy conversation with colleagues in a beautiful, unhurried setting
A chance to simply be with people who understand this work

Where: López Family Vineyards

When: October 17, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM (Promptly) until 12:30PM PT

Who's Invited: Open to CCA members and non-members alike.

Tickets: $30 per person (includes tasting, snacks and vineyard tour)

Space is limited to 25 guests. Please reserve your space early. To make the most of our limited space for professional connection, this event is designed exclusively for counselors and mental health professionals.

We hope you will enjoy this one just for you.

Due to the nature of the event, refunds are not given for cancellations.

Drop us a line if you have any questions at info@cacounseling.org

CCA Networking Event Bay Area - Dolores Park, SF (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join your fellow counselors, educators, and allied mental health professionals for a relaxed morning of connection. Whether you are new to the field, mid-career, or a seasoned practitioner, this is your chance to meet people who get it.

What to expect:

Meet new colleagues across every practice setting and license type
Reconnect with familiar faces in the California counseling community
Have real conversations with people who share your passion for this work
Learn more about CCA and what we are building for the profession

Open to CCA members and non-members alike. Come as you are.

Where: Dolores Park, San Francisco (meet us near the picnic tables closer to Dolores and 19th)

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026

Time: 9:00a - 11:00a PT

Who: CCA Members and Potential Members

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Drop us a line if you have any questions at info@cacounseling.org