Referral to other services should involve the client’s informed consent, and openness regarding the reasons for referral. To assist the client in attending a referral appointment, it can be useful to discuss issues such as:
- Name, phone number, and address of the referral service.
- Directions and transportation to and from the service appointment.
- What the client can expect upon arrival at the service, along with the nature, purpose, and value of the referral.
- Written material about the service (if available).
- A method of contacting the AOD worker.
- Any other concerns the client has about the referral.
Continue to provide support to the client until an appointment with the new clinician or agency has been arranged. If the client expresses reservations about working with a new clinician or agency, it may be useful to treat the client in collaboration with the new clinician for a period of time, where appropriate [389].