How do therapists decide whether to refer a new client to a colleague? We asked the members of Psychology Today's Therapy Directory.
"I offer a 20-minute phone consult so the client and I can feel things out. After that, the first few appointments are for finding out even more about whether this is a fit. If I can see I'm not the best fit, or that the client's needs are beyond my expertise, I'm very comfortable referring out." —Elyn Tromey, Boulder, CO
"I routinely refer clients out, whether I need the fee or not. It's much more important to me to have a client base I enjoy working with and feel competent to serve than it is to bring in any one particular client." —Victoria Schlicht, Tustin, CA
"I have worked with too many clients who've been re-traumatized by therapists inexperienced in the client's issues. Sometimes these therapists are unaware of the harm they're causing. Sometimes they carry fears of harming the client by making them feel abandoned or unacceptable." —Heather Niles, Wakefield, MA
