When conducting referrals, what must counselors adhere to?

Counselors must adhere to applicable laws and regulations regarding confidentiality when conducting referrals. This is crucial because confidentiality is a fundamental ethical obligation in counseling practice. Counselors are entrusted with sensitive personal information from their clients, and violating confidentiality can harm the client and erode the trust necessary for effective counseling.

Maintaining compliance with confidentiality laws ensures that clients' information is shared only in appropriate contexts and with the client's informed consent. This legal framework helps to protect clients' rights and privacy, thereby reinforcing the ethical standards of the counseling profession.

While it is important to consider the client's expressed desires and some degree of flexibility in practices, these aspects cannot supersede the legal obligations concerning confidentiality. Therefore, adherence to applicable laws and regulations provides the necessary foundation for ethical and professional referrals.