Library · Domain 3. Treatment Planning & Continuity of Care · 3B. Continuity of Care
Task 3B.1
Referring to community resources and specialists
“Refer clients and/or family members to community resources or to specialists” (NBCC, 2027 task 3B.1)
Counselors connect clients and families with services they cannot provide themselves, such as medical care, psychiatric evaluation, housing help, legal aid, support groups or specialized therapy. A good referral is timely, fits the client, and is followed up. The exam tests when to refer and how to refer well.
Key points
- Refer when a client needs a service outside your competence or scope, a different level of care, or practical support such as housing, food or legal help.
- Know your community: keep current information on services, eligibility, cost, waitlists, language access and accessibility.
- Offer more than one option where possible and explain each so the client can choose.
- Obtain a release of information before sharing client information with the referral source.
- Help with the connection: a warm handoff, help making the first call, or follow-up to confirm the client was able to get the service.
- Referral is not abandonment; continue care as appropriate until the client is connected.
- Refer family members separately when they need their own services.
In practice
A client with depression and new tremors is referred to her primary care provider for a medical evaluation, and, with her consent, the counselor sends a short summary of her concerns.
A counselor working with a teen also learns the teen's mother is overwhelmed caring for a parent with dementia. With the mother's agreement, the counselor gives her information for a local caregiver support program and an Area Agency on Aging.
Check yourself
What must a counselor obtain before sharing client information with a referral source?
A signed release of information, because confidentiality applies to referrals.
Why offer more than one referral option?
It respects the client's choice and increases the chance of finding an accessible service.
What makes a referral more likely to succeed?
A warm handoff or help connecting, and follow-up to confirm the client got the service.
NBCC's knowledge and skills for 3B. Continuity of Care
Knowledge of: Levels of care; Professional wills; Community partner/resources; Release of information (ROI) protocols and requirements; Wraparound services; Stages of change; Discharge practices; Proper termination protocols.
Skill in: Establishing contact with community resources; Applying relapse prevention strategies; Evaluating readiness for discharge.
A study guide written by ExamDragon from NBCC's published task; not NBCC material and not part of the exam.