Maintaining a current referral list

“Maintain an updated list of referral resources” (NBCC, 2027 task 5.5)

Referrals only help if the information is accurate. Counselors keep an updated list of resources, including specialists, crisis services, community agencies and support groups, so they can connect clients quickly and appropriately. The exam tests the practical and ethical sides of referral resources.

Key points

Include mental health specialists, psychiatric prescribers, substance use programs, crisis services, medical providers, legal aid, housing, food, domestic violence services and support groups.
Record practical details: services offered, eligibility, fees and insurance, languages, accessibility, location, telehealth availability and wait times.
Verify listings periodically; services close, change eligibility or develop long waitlists.
Include resources that serve diverse populations, such as culturally specific agencies and LGBTQ-affirming providers.
Avoid referral arrangements that involve kickbacks or fee-splitting; referrals should be based on client need.
Know emergency resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, local mobile crisis teams and emergency departments.
Seek feedback from clients about referrals to learn which resources actually help.

In practice

A counselor reviews her referral list every six months. She calls each agency to confirm services and wait times, removes one that closed, and adds a new Spanish-language support group.

When a client needs low-cost psychiatric care, the counselor's list shows two clinics with sliding fees, their current wait times and which accepts the client's insurance, so the client can choose quickly.

Check yourself

Why should referral lists be verified periodically?

Services change, close or develop waitlists, and outdated information delays care.

Name three practical details to keep on a referral list.

Fees and insurance accepted, languages offered and current wait times, along with eligibility and accessibility.

Why are fee-splitting or kickback arrangements for referrals unethical?

Referrals should be based on the client's needs, not the counselor's financial gain.

NBCC's knowledge and skills for Domain 5

Knowledge of: Documentation practices and models; Release of information and confidentiality; Basic psychopharmacological information; Professional roles; Record retention and management.

Skill in: Completing case notes; Case conceptualization; Advocating for client.

A study guide written by ExamDragon from NBCC's published task; not NBCC material and not part of the exam.