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Referrals

This page is for health, education, and allied professionals seeking to refer individuals, couples, or families where the presentation is complex, persistent, time-sensitive, or involves multiple systems.

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My work is assessment-led and structured, with a focus on clarifying what is happening, understanding contributing factors, and determining proportionate next steps.

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Assessments are undertaken for the purpose of clinical formulation and care planning, rather than diagnosis. Where diagnostic clarification is required, referral to an appropriately qualified medical or psychological practitioner may be recommended.

What I Offer Referrers

I provide independent clinical assessment for formulation and care planning in situations where:

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  • the presentation does not fit neatly within a single intervention pathway

  • the situation would benefit from a more structured, assessment-led approach than standard weekly counselling sessions allow

  • there is uncertainty about scope, pacing, or the need for escalation of care

 

The outcome of assessment is a clinical recommendation, which may include:

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  • focused short-term therapeutic intervention

  • longer-term therapeutic work where indicated

  • more intensive counselling support 

  • consultation with other professionals or services

  • written guidance or reports to support other settings (such as schools)

  • referral to psychology, psychiatry, or other specialist services

  • or a combination of the above

 

The emphasis is on proportionate care — matching the level, intensity, and type of support to the complexity and timing of the situation.

Presentations That Are Often A Good Fit

Children & Adolescents

Situations where emotional, behavioural, or relational difficulties are affecting functioning across home and school, particularly where there is uncertainty about what level of support is required.

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Examples include:

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  • escalating school avoidance or refusal

  • emotional dysregulation or behavioural escalation that is increasing rather than resolving

  • neurodivergent presentations where existing supports are no longer sufficient

  • situations where families and schools are unsure whether current difficulties fall within counselling scope or require escalation

Adults

Adults experiencing entrenched patterns that have not shifted with previous support, particularly where relational or family systems are contributing to distress or impairment.

 

 

Examples include:

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  • repeated relational breakdowns or conflict patterns

  • family-of-origin dynamics impacting current functioning

  • presentations where therapy has occurred but clarity about formulation or next steps remains limited

  • situations where the timing or intensity of intervention needs to be reconsidered

Couples & Families

Couples and families experiencing significant strain, instability, or breakdown in functioning, where relational dynamics are central to the presentation.

 

 

Examples include:

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  • loss of trust following betrayal or relational rupture

  • high or escalating conflict affecting children or family stability

  • families managing cumulative stressors across parenting, neurodivergence, and life transitions

  • uncertainty about whether the situation requires standard therapy, more intensive intervention, or referral onward

I also work with neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families, including neurodivergent relationship dynamics, where assessment and formulation are required to guide appropriate intervention.

Referrals from Schools and Wellbeing Teams

I accept referrals from schools where a student’s presentation involves system strain, escalation, or uncertainty about appropriate supports, and where further assessment or formulation would assist planning.

 

School referrals commonly involve:

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  • increasing school avoidance or refusal despite existing adjustments

  • emotional or behavioural escalation affecting attendance, learning, or safety

  • neurodivergent presentations requiring clearer formulation to guide planning

  • uncertainty about whether difficulties fall within school-based wellbeing supports or require external escalation

 

My role is not to provide diagnostic assessment or school-based therapy, but to offer independent clinical assessment and formulation to clarify contributing factors and inform responses across home, school, and therapeutic systems.

 

Where clinically indicated and with parental consent, this work may include:

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  • written guidance or reports to support school planning (e.g. wellbeing plans or IEPs)

  • consultation with wellbeing staff to clarify formulation and recommendations

  • guidance around pacing, adjustments, or referral pathways

Referrals from General Practitioners

I accept referrals from GPs where presentations are complex, persistent, or systemically influenced, and where further formulation would assist care planning.

 

GP referrals often include:

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  • distress that has not responded to standard supports

  • relational or family dynamics contributing to symptoms

  • neurodivergent presentations complicating management

  • situations where further assessment or formulation would assist care planning alongside the demands of primary care

 

Assessments are undertaken for clinical formulation and care planning, not diagnostic assessment. Where diagnostic clarification is indicated, referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist is recommended.

 

With patient consent, I am available to liaise with referring GPs following assessment.

Referrals from Other Counsellors

I welcome referrals from counsellors where:

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  • a client’s needs fall outside your current scope of practice

  • complexity has increased beyond what can be safely held

  • you do not work with a particular population (e.g. children, couples, families, neurodivergent clients)

 

Common examples include:

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  • a child or adolescent where family or school systems are now central

  • a couple where relational dynamics require specialist assessment

  • a neurodivergent individual or couple where formulation needs to be revisited

  • situations where clarification is needed around continuation, referral, or transfer of care

 

This work does not involve diagnostic assessment. Where diagnostic clarification is required, referral to psychology or psychiatry may be recommended as part of the clinical plan.

Referral Process

Referrals can be made by:

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  • inviting the client or family to schedule an Initial Consultation via my website, or

  • contacting me with a brief outline of the referral context to confirm suitability

 

Initial consultations focus on assessment and formulation. In some cases, further assessment sessions are required before recommendations are finalised and discussed in a separate feedback session.

 

Where appropriate and with consent, I am open to liaising with referrers following assessment.

Practical Notes

  • This practice operates privately; fees reflect the assessment-led nature of the work.

  • Written guidance or reports are offered where clinically indicated and discussed in advance.

  • This is not a crisis service. Acute risk should be managed through appropriate urgent pathways prior to referral.

If You're Unsure

If you’re uncertain whether a referral is appropriate, you’re welcome to make contact to discuss fit.

Contact

© 2025 by Kristie McMaster

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