When Should I Refer My Client to Someone Else? 

As Mentors or Professional Supervisors, we dedicate ourselves to helping others; we are natural caretakers and genuinely want to support and aid our clients. It can be hard to admit when we find ourselves out of our depth, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of; there are some issues we don’t have the proper experience or skills to address. There are times when we need to refer our client to someone with more specialised knowledge. We should remember that our client’s well-being is a group effort; we are part of a team our client can turn to in times of need. This is a wonderful thing as it takes some of the pressure from us, and allows our client to receive the most effective care.  

Attempting to help a client when we don’t have the proper skills can do more harm than not trying to help them at all. Therefore, it is essential to recognise when we can’t provide the help they need quickly and to take action. I created this chart to help Mentors and Supervisors to that end. 

🌀 When to Refer – Flowchart for Support

Step 1: Initial Concern

🗨️ Is the person showing emotional, spiritual, or relational distress?

→ Yes → Continue
→ No → Support informally and stay available

Step 2: Basic Listening

👂 Have you listened actively and offered basic support (without giving advice)?

→ Yes → Continue
→ No → Pause, listen well, then reassess

Step 3: Assess the Depth of the Issue

🔍 Is the issue…

• Persistent or worsening despite support?
  
• Involving trauma, abuse, addiction, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts?
  
• Causing harm to self or others?
  

→ Yes → Refer to a professional
→ No → Continue supportive care, check in regularly

Step 4: Your Own Capacity

💭 Do you feel out of your depth, uncertain, or emotionally drained?

→ Yes → Seek supervision and consider referring the client on
→ No → Proceed with care and boundaries

Step 5: Referral Options

📤 Who can help?

• Trained counsellor/therapist/psychologist
  
• Medical professional
  
• Trusted pastoral care team
  
• Organisation’s crisis or HR contact
  

Remember:

✅ You are not the solution — you are a bridge to support
✅ It’s okay (and wise) to refer early
✅ Keep confidentiality, but never keep safety risks secret

Reflection Questions: 

• What is my role? 
• Am I overstepping my role? 
• Could my lack of expertise damage my client? 
• Who can I refer them to?