When should a school counselor make referrals to outside resources?

Making referrals to outside resources is appropriate when the needs of a student exceed the counselor's scope of practice. This refers to situations where the issues presented require specialized knowledge, skills, or interventions that the school counselor is not trained or qualified to provide. For instance, if a student is struggling with severe mental health issues or trauma that require clinical intervention, a referral to a licensed therapist or psychologist would be necessary to ensure that the student receives the appropriate level of care.

This practice is not only ethical but also aligns with the ASCA Ethical Standards, which emphasize the importance of competence and knowing one’s limits. School counselors have a responsibility to ensure that students receive the utmost support possible, which sometimes means recognizing when to refer to outside professionals who are equipped to handle specific situations.

The other options do not align with the ethical standards guiding appropriate referral practices. Making a referral based solely on boredom, parental requests, or a student's desire for more academic support does not necessarily relate to the counselor's capacity to address urgent needs or mental health concerns. Referrals should always be driven by the best interests of the student and the nature of their needs.