The Speaker Committee works in conjunction with the CE Events Committee to ensure that the monthly chapter meetings run smoothly. Where the Events Committee is responsible for the meeting logistics (registration, hosting, materials, etc.), we enjoy the responsibility of choosing the content of the meeting and scheduling the presenter. Our focus is solely on the topic of interest for any given month, and we work to bring exciting and dynamic presentations to the members.

Questions? Contact the Committee Chair! 

Speaker Committee Chair

Patrick McCarthy, AMFT is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who completed his MA in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University in 2024. Patrick loves to help individuals, couples and families learn to communicate better and overcome the obstacles in their lives. He favors a variety of approaches from psychodynamic and family systems work to IFS and Mindfulness-based therapies. Prior to becoming a therapist, Patrick worked as a successful TV comedy writer-producer for over twenty years. As a result, he has a special understanding of the struggles faced by clients working in the arts. He has also found that his love of play makes him an ideal therapist to work successfully with kids and teens. Patrick trained for two years at The Center for Professional Counseling in North Hollywood, which was recently awarded the CAMFT Outstanding Agency of the Year for all of California. He currently works as a staff therapist with Bridges Therapy, and as Associate at Transformation Therapy, a private practice in Beverly Hills.

Contact Information

Phone: 

LA-CAMFT Email: speakerchair@lacamft.org

Work/Private Practice Email: Pmccarthymaclp@gmail.com

Website: 

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CE Networking Events Chair

Shiji Yuan, AMFT (he/him) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California. He holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and has clinical experience working with transitional-age youth and adults in public behavioral health settings. Shiji practices from a trauma-informed and integrative lens, drawing from CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and Brainspotting. He is a long-time LGBTQ+ advocate and previously served with PFLAG Temecula in outreach and advocacy roles. Shiji is passionate about culturally responsive care, mentorship, and building meaningful connections within the mental health community. Outside of work, he enjoys travel, language learning, and exploring food and culture.

Contact Information

Phone: 951.526.4267

LA-CAMFT Email: networkingchair@lacamft.org

Work/Private Practice Email: yuanshiji1@gmail.com

Website: