Describe the presenting concern, requested service, referral question, payer, relevant deadline, and who should receive communication.
Professional referrals · Ontario
MAKE THE
HANDOFF
CLEAR.
A referral should answer three questions: what is needed, why now, and what happens next.
Send a referral requestPhysiciansLawyersCase managersInsurersRehabilitation teams
01 / Referral pathway
One handoff.
Four clear steps.
The exact process depends on the service, referral question, consent, funding source, urgency, and available records. The outline below shows the usual starting point.
The practice reviews whether the request fits available services, professional scope, format, location, and timing.
With the appropriate permissions, the client is contacted or given the next steps for consultation, intake, assessment, or treatment.
Updates, reports, invoices, and collaboration are defined according to consent, clinical need, funding requirements, and professional obligations.
02 / What can be referred
Different pathways.
Different questions.
Choose the closest service. Final scope is established after reviewing the referral information and speaking with the client where appropriate.
Private / extended health
Psychotherapy
Adult therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, burnout, relationships, adjustment, chronic pain, and other concerns.
Review therapy services →Focused adult assessmentDiagnostic clarification
Assessment when a specific adult diagnostic question and practical recommendations need clarification.
Review assessments →Auto insuranceMVA services
Psychological assessment and treatment following a motor vehicle accident, including driving anxiety, trauma, mood, pain, and functional concerns.
Review MVA services →Work-related concernsWSIB services
Psychological assessment or treatment related to workplace injury, traumatic exposure, mental health symptoms, recovery, and return to function.
Review WSIB services →03 / What helps us respond
Send enough
to orient us.
Not a full chart.
Use the initial form for coordination rather than detailed clinical records. Sensitive documents should be transferred only through an agreed secure method.
01Who is referring?Name, role, organization, contact details, and relationship to the client.
02What is being requested?Therapy, assessment, consultation, a specific referral question, or help identifying the appropriate route.
03Who is funding it?Private payment, extended health benefits, automobile insurance, WSIB, legal funding, or another arrangement.
04Is there a deadline?Include upcoming hearings, insurer decisions, return-to-work planning, treatment-plan dates, or other relevant timing.
05What consent exists?Clarify whether the client has agreed to the referral and what information may be shared with whom.
04 / Clear expectations
A referral is a request for consideration—not an automatic acceptance.
Availability, clinical fit, conflicts, professional scope, location, informed consent, funding approval, and the requested deliverable all affect whether and how the service can proceed. Urgent or emergency needs require immediate local services rather than a routine referral form.
05 / Referral request
Start with the minimum necessary information.
This form is for initial coordination. Do not include detailed medical records, highly sensitive history, government identification numbers, or information beyond what is needed to understand the request.
Before sending
Confirm that you have the authority or consent required to make the referral. For urgent safety concerns, call 911 or use appropriate local crisis services.
Not sure which pathway applies?Describe the question.
Describe the question.
We will clarify the route.
You can begin with a brief professional inquiry without sending detailed client information.