What Is a Referral?

This page describes how the mental health care system in the United States is generally structured. It is not medical advice.

A referral in mental health care is the process of being directed from one provider, service, or point of entry to another. Referrals are just one of the ways people move through the mental health system.

Referrals and Transfers

Receiving a referral means a current provider or organization has identified another service or provider as a next step. A referral is a direction - not a guaranteed scheduled appointment. Typically, the organization or provider to whom the patient was referred contacts the patient regarding next steps. A transfer, which is similar to a referral, is another way people move through the system. A transfer is the process of being directed from one provider to another that offers the same service (for example, a therapist transferring care to another therapist).

Self-Referrals

Provider-directed referrals and transfers are not the only way people enter and move through the mental health system. Depending on the organization, people can reach out to a provider or service directly to access services. This is called self-referral.

Want to Learn More?

The Mental Health System Toolkit outlines how and when movement through the mental health system occurs across different settings - including how referrals, transfers, and self-referrals fit into the larger picture.

For more on the first appointment after a referral, visit What Is an Intake Appointment