Referring Someone to CARS
People sometimes ask us how to refer a co-worker, employee or friend to CARS. We appreciate being asked, and we recommend keeping these concepts in mind:
- Remember to treat the person, as you would wish to be treated.
- Speak with the person privately unless you believe that person may become violent towards you. If you are concerned about your safety, call the police using 9-1-1.
- Refer to someone's behavior, how he/she acts, not who he/she is. For example, do not tell someone that he/she is an alcoholic. It is critical not to diagnose — it is not necessary or helpful.
- Realize that CARS is a voluntary service and you cannot require people to see a CARS clinician. It is best to focus on specific performance problems in a more formal situation.
- Share with the person your concern and encourage him/her to call CARS.
- Rather than suggesting that someone "needs counseling" stress that anyone can benefit from support and help in problem solving.
- Some individuals still feel working on their personal problems with a therapist is more embarrassing than having those problems. They need to understand that we all have problems and that having a sounding board is one way of addressing those problems.
- Realize that CARS services may not be the appropriate level of service for everyone and we will refer him/her to the best possible alternative.
If you want us to verify someone's attendance at CARS, have the employee request a letter of attendance. CARS is a confidential service and we cannot confirm or deny if someone is a client at CARS without their written permission. We cannot give you any information without the client's authorization to release their information.
