When is referral to another service appropriate, and how should it be documented?

When is referral to another service appropriate, and how should it be documented?

• A. Never refer to other services.
• B. When needs exceed current resources or scope; document rationale, consent, referrals made, and follow-up plans.
• C. Only when the client asks for it.
• D. When the client has completed treatment.

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is recognizing when a referral is necessary and documenting it thoroughly. If a client’s needs go beyond what the current program or counselor can provide—whether due to limits in services, expertise, or capacity—a referral to an appropriate resource is appropriate. Documentation should clearly capture the rationale for the referral, obtain and record the client’s consent for the referral, list the specific referral(s) made, and outline follow-up plans to monitor the client’s progress and ensure continuity of care. This practice supports ethical accountability and helps ensure the client receives the most suitable services.

Why the other options don’t fit: referring only when the client asks ignores the professional duty to assess needs and guide access to appropriate services; never referring fails to address situations where needs exceed available resources or scope; waiting until treatment is completed misses ongoing or emerging needs that arise during care.