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I used to think that if someone needed a counselor, I could just say, “You should talk to someone.” And that was enough.
Then I learned that people don’t always know how to find a good therapist. And even if they do, they might not know who to trust.
That’s where a trusted referral list comes in. It’s not just a list of names. It’s a way of saying, “I care about you enough to help you find the right help.”
I’ve been learning about this from Katie Quigley, a licensed mental health counselor who also attends a small church. She helped me understand that different therapists have different strengths. Some specialize in trauma. Some work with couples. Some focus on anxiety. Building a referral list means knowing who is good at what so you can connect people with the right fit.
That stuck with me. So I started figuring out how to actually do this in our church.
Why Your Small Church Needs A Referral List
When someone is in crisis, they don’t have the energy to research therapists. They’re overwhelmed. They need you to have a name ready.
Here’s something I’ve learned. Therapists are often looking to partner with churches. They want to be known. They want to be connected. They’re often grateful when a church reaches out.
So don’t be shy. You’re not bothering them. You’re offering a gift.
How To Find Therapists You Can Trust For Your Referral List
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here are a few ways I’ve learned to start building a list
1. Ask Around
Start with people in your church who have had good experiences with therapists. Ask if they’d be willing to share a name. But keep in mind, one person’s good fit might not be another’s. So collect a few names, not just one.
2. Reach Out To Therapists In Your Community
Call or email a few local therapists. Ask if you can meet for coffee or hop on a quick call. Tell them you’re a church leader and you’re building a referral list.
Here are some questions I’ve learned to ask:
- Are you fully licensed?
- What areas do you specialize in?
- What’s your approach to therapy?
- Do you have experience with faith-based clients?
Most therapists are happy to answer these questions. They want to be known.
3. Check Their Websites
Many therapists list their specialties and approach online. Look for phrases like “trauma-informed,” “EMDR certified,” or “works with couples.” Those give you clues about who they’re best suited to help.
4. Consider Virtual Options
If you’re in a rural area, there may not be many local therapists. That’s okay. Virtual counseling has opened up access in incredible ways.
Many therapists can see anyone in their state due to licensure, and plenty offer virtual sessions. You don’t have to just look in your little area. Some people actually prefer virtual sessions because they feel safer in their own space.
I know a small church in a rural area that has no local therapists within thirty miles. They started asking around and found a counselor two hours away who offers virtual sessions. Now they have a name to give when someone needs help. That’s the power of virtual options.
What To Include On Your Church Referral List
Your list doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be as simple as a document you keep in your phone.
Here’s what I include:
- Therapist’s name and practice
- Contact info (phone, email, website)
- Specialty areas (trauma, anxiety, couples, etc.)
- Insurance accepted (if known)
- Whether they offer virtual sessions
- Any notes about their approach or faith integration
Some counselors filter everything through a biblical lens. Others don’t. That kind of note can be helpful for people who want a faith-integrated counselor. But not everyone needs that, so include options either way.
How To Share Your Referral List
Here’s the moment you’ve been preparing for. Someone comes to you and you sense they need professional help.
You can say, “I’m so glad you told me this. I know a few people who might be a good fit. Would you like me to share some names?”
Then give them the list. Let them choose. It’s not about you deciding who’s best. It’s about giving them options.
Different therapists have different strengths. Some don’t work with couples. Some don’t work with children. So when you’re building your list, try to have a few names in each category. Trauma. Anxiety. Couples. Family. That way you’re ready for whatever walks through the door.
How To Keep Your Referral List Updated
People move. Therapists change practices. So your list needs to be updated every so often.
I’ve started doing something simple. I put a reminder in my calendar for the first week of January. I send a quick email or make a call: “Hi, I’m still referring people to you. Are you still accepting new clients? Anything I should know?”
Most therapists appreciate the check‑in. And it keeps your list reliable.
You can also add new names as you hear about them. The more you talk about therapy in your church, the more names you’ll learn. Keep a running note in your phone. When someone mentions a therapist they’ve had a good experience with, add them to your list.
Why Partnering With Therapists Helps Your Small Church
In a small church, you have something big churches don’t always have relationships.
You can actually get to know local therapists. You can invite one to speak at a women’s event or a men’s breakfast. You can ask them to come to a small group and talk about mental health. You can simply reach out and say, “I’d love to know more about what you do so I can refer people to you.”
Therapists are often looking to be added to referral sources. That partnership is a gift.
It means when someone needs help, you don’t have to send them into the unknown. You can send them to someone you trust.
Love That Knows Its Limits
Building a referral list isn’t complicated. It just takes intentionality.
Start with one name. Add another. Before you know it, you’ll have a small network of trusted professionals who can help your people when they need more than you can offer.
That’s not failure. That’s love. That’s doing no harm. And isn’t that what we’re all trying to do?
If you want to keep learning alongside other small church leaders navigating these same tensions, join us in the Small Church Ministry Facebook group. It’s where we talk about what we’re learning and what we’re still struggling with.
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