Why therapists need a referral network
Most referrals still move through group texts, listserv threads, and the short list of colleagues you happen to know. That works until the client in front of you needs a specialty nobody on your list offers, or everyone you would call is full.
The Tandem Alliance referral board gives licensed clinicians one place to post a need and hear back from mental health providers who actually have capacity. You describe the clinical picture, never the client, and the right colleagues find you.
How the referral board works
Post the clinical picture
Describe what the client needs: the specialty or modality, session format, location, age range, and payment. No names and no identifying details, ever.
The right colleagues hear about it
Members whose focus areas match your post are notified, so the clinicians most likely to help see it first. They can reply with their availability.
Connect and follow up
Message the clinician directly inside the portal, compare fit, and make the introduction on your terms.
What members use it for
- Referring out a client who needs a specialty, modality, or level of care outside your scope
- Announcing openings in your caseload so colleagues know you can take new clients
- Sending a referral directly to a specific colleague or group practice
- Searching colleagues by specialty, modality, language, cultural identity, ages served, session format, and availability
- Asking clinical and practice questions in Discussions and learning from peers
Who can join
The referral board is open to licensed mental health professionals in every U.S. state, including LCSWs, LMFTs, professional counselors, psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists. Every account goes through a quick license check before full access, so you know the colleagues you are referring to are licensed.
- Free for licensed mental health providers, and it always will be
- Posts describe the clinical need only, never client details
- Open in every state, with members verified before full access
The referral board and the specialist directory
Tandem Alliance also runs a client-facing specialist directory in California and Arizona, where clients search by specialty and reach out directly. The directory is a separate listing, joined by application. You do not need a directory listing to use the referral board, and you can apply to both.