How to Refer Someone
When you are considering referring someone to Community Counseling Services these guidelines may be helpful to you in your interaction with the friend, work colleague or relative you think could benefit from counseling/therapy.
- Consider the person's emotional reaction to the referral.
- Speak with the person openly and honestly; directly and concretely. Avoid judging the behavior(s)
- Be specific. Share your observations of the person's behavior(s) that lead you to conclude that a referral is advisable or necessary.
- Avoid any negative comments or implications about personality or character.
- Encourage the person to express their thoughts and feelings.
- Respect the person's right to reject the referral suggestion.
- If the friend, work colleague or relative has talked about suicide or harming others, be clear with the person that you will need to notify someone in authority to help assist with the situation.
- Offer to assist in making an appointment at Community Counseling Services (805-493-3390) but in serious and/or imminent situations you may wish to contact 911 to ask for assistance or accompany the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- If you would like to discuss the situation with a counselor before making a referral please contact Community Counseling Services (805-493-3390) and request to talk with a counselor or clinical supervisor.
