How to Refer Someone

These guidelines may be helpful depending on the relationship you have with a friend, coworker, or family member whom you believe would benefit from counseling or therapy.

• Consider the person’s emotional reaction to the referral.
• Speak with the person in an open, direct, concrete, and honest manner. Avoid judging the person.
• Be specific. Share your observations about the person’s behavior that lead you to conclude that this referral is advisable or necessary.
• Avoid any negative comments or insinuations about their personality or character.
• Encourage the person to express their thoughts and feelings.
• Respect the person’s right to decline the suggestion.
• If your friend, coworker, or family member has talked about suicide or harming others, be clear with that person that you need to notify someone in a position of authority so they can help with the situation.
• Offer to help schedule an appointment, but in serious or urgent situations, you should call 911 for help or accompany the person to the nearest emergency room.