I look forward to receiving a referral. Please understand that during the course of counselling work, you will remain responsible for the overall management of your patient.  In your referral, please provide up to date, correct and relevant information about the patient, for example:

• Your name, contact details and your healthcare setting
• The patient’s name, date of birth and one other patient identifier
• Purpose of the referral
• Frequency of reviews with the patient
• Background to the current condition
• Your agreed plan for the near future
• How this relates to the referral
• Anticipated timeframe for the counselling relationship
• Sufficient information as to minimise any identified barriers/limitations to counselling
• Any other relevant information which will help with the delivery of culturally safe and respectful care
• How you would like to be informed. Ideally, your patient to communicate progress with you at review.  The patient is required to complete Consent to Exchange Information prior to a counsellor/referrer direct exchange.

(RACGP, Referring to other medical specialists, A guide for ensuring good referral outcomes for your patients, 2019)