Consent and Communication With Referral Sources
One rule governs what referral sources hear about a client: the client's signed consent comes first.
What a client shares in counseling at Chatman Counseling and Rehabilitation stays private. A court, probation officer, caseworker or other referral source receives information only when the client has signed consent for it, and for youth, consent works as explained at intake. The law also sets limits on confidentiality, which are explained to the client in writing at the start of services. This page lays out the same ground rules for referral sources.
The Ground Rule
Private by Default, Shared by Consent
Individual sessions are a confidential, nonjudgmental setting where clients talk openly about their challenges and are held accountable for their actions. Keeping that setting private is the starting point for every referral relationship.
The client's signed consent is what opens communication with a referral source. For an adult, signing it is the client's own decision, and nothing is sent until that signature is in place.
Who Can Receive Information With Consent
With the client's signed consent, communication can include the people and offices connected to the referral, such as:
- A court or court program
- A probation officer
- An Office of Juvenile Affairs caseworker
- A community organization or other referral source
What Gets Shared, and What Does Not
What is shared, and with whom, follows the consent the client signs. The practice does not promise a particular kind of update or a set schedule, so referral sources should raise what they need at the outset and confirm what their own court, office or program requires.
Without consent, what a client says in session stays in session, apart from the limits the law sets. Consent governs communication, not acceptance: whether a court, office or program accepts this provider remains that body's own decision.
How Consent Fits Into Getting Started
Before the Referral
Talk with the client about whether information is expected to come back to you, so expectations are clear before treatment starts.
At the Consultation
The free 20 to 30 minute consultation gives the client a chance to ask how communication with a referral source works before agreeing to anything.
Signing Consent
If the client signs consent for a referral source, communication with that source can begin within what the consent allows.
During Treatment
Progress is reviewed over time and the plan can change, but the boundaries of communication still follow the client's consent.
Keep First Messages General
Email and voicemail are not secure, whether or not consent is in place. When you contact the office about a client, keep a first message to your name, your contact details and a general reason, without charges, diagnoses or case history.
Clients and families should follow the same rule in their own first messages; fuller background comes out during the assessment.
Consent Questions From Referral Sources
Can the practice tell me whether my client showed up?
Only if the client has signed consent covering communication with you. Until then, the most direct route is to ask the client.
Does consent work the same way for a teen?
The process for youth is explained at intake. Parents, guardians and caseworkers can ask about it then, so everyone hears the same explanation.
Does making the referral give me access to information?
No. A referral does not take the place of consent, so information reaches you only once the client has signed it.
Can I email records to the office?
Email is not secure, so keep first messages general. Call (405) 205-6314 to ask how anything more detailed should be shared.
Keep Reading
- Who Sees What I ShareThe client-facing guide to privacy and consent.
- How to Refer a ClientStart a referral with a call or a short email.
- For Probation OfficersWhat officers should know about services and structure.
- Sexual Offense TreatmentThe treatment itself: assessment, sessions and groups.
- Frequently Asked QuestionsQuick answers on sessions, scheduling and coverage.
Questions About Consent?
Call (405) 205-6314 to ask how communication with referral sources works. Clients can start with a free 20 to 30 minute consultation.
Free 20 to 30 minute consultation. Monday through Friday, by appointment.