Continuing Therapy After Moving: What Should You Do?

A 17-year-old client wants to continue therapy with you after moving away for college. What should be your response?

• A. Consult with a colleague about transference issues
• B. Make three referrals out of town
• C. Plan for weekly phone sessions
• D. See her on school breaks

Answer: (B)

The most appropriate response in this scenario is to prioritize the client's ongoing care and well-being by making referrals to local providers in her new college town. As the client is moving away and will no longer be able to receive therapy in-person, it is essential to ensure she has access to professional support in her new environment. By making three referrals out of town, you allow her the opportunity to continue her therapy with qualified professionals who can address her needs locally. While options such as planning for weekly phone sessions or seeing her on school breaks may seem convenient, these approaches can lead to complications such as inconsistency in care or may not comply with telehealth regulations depending on state laws. Referrals ensure that she can build a supportive network and receive the necessary continuity of care, which is vital for her mental health and therapeutic progress. Consulting with a colleague about transference issues might be relevant, but it is secondary to ensuring the client has immediate access to the support she needs as she transitions to a new living situation.

Change can be a whirlwind, right? Imagine being 17, full of hopes and dreams, moving to college, and wanting to keep the support you’ve had in therapy. It’s a heartfelt decision, and navigating this requires a thoughtful approach. So, what should you do? Before we jump into solutions, let’s take a step back and think about the best interests of your client.

In this scenario, the most suitable response when a client wishes to continue therapy after relocating is making three referrals out of town. You see, it’s all about ensuring that the client’s mental health needs continue to be met as she transitions into her new environment. This isn’t just a formality; it’s about giving her the access she needs to qualified professionals who can provide ongoing support. Imagine moving to a new city, where everything feels unfamiliar—being armed with a trusted mental health provider can make all the difference.

Now, you might consider options like planning weekly phone sessions or even seeing her during school breaks, but let’s be real for a second. These options may seem easy and flexible, yet they come with their own set of headaches. For instance, consistent phone sessions might not provide the stability she craves. Additionally, telehealth regulations can vary, and you wouldn't want to inadvertently step into murky waters with compliance issues. It’s like trying to keep a plant alive in the wrong climate; what works in one space may not thrive in another.

On the flip side, referring her to local providers is the way to go. It’s like giving her a link to her future support network in the new city. By making those referrals, you’re not just handing her names of therapists; you’re offering her the opportunity to build a solid foundation of support that's vital for her mental health as she starts this new chapter. It’s about ensuring continuity of care—keeping the thread of therapy woven into her life, even when she’s miles away from you.

Consulting a colleague about transference issues could also enter the conversation, but let's be honest; that’s secondary. Your primary responsibility is to prioritizing the client’s wellbeing and establishing connections that can truly support her in real time and space. You wouldn't want to leave her hanging without resources when making such a significant change in her life.

So as you reflect on this situation, remember how essential it is to adapt and respond in ways that promote your client's long-term mental health, especially during such transformative times. Make those referrals. Help her find her footing and thrive in her new surroundings. After all, it’s not just about therapy—it's about helping her navigate life’s transitions with confidence and resilience.