Sometimes clients switch therapists. It happens. But when they do, social workers need to handle it with care. Section 3.06 of the NASW Code of Ethics is all about making sure those transitions happen smoothly, ethically, and in the best interest of the client.
Transfers can get messy—especially when a client leaves another agency, ends a relationship with a past provider, or starts shopping around for support. This section reminds us that our first job isn’t to build a caseload. It’s to protect client well-being.
Here’s the full standard
3.06 Client Transfer
(a) When an individual who is receiving services from another agency or colleague contacts a social worker for services, the social worker should carefully consider the client’s needs before agreeing to provide services. To minimize possible confusion and conflict, social workers should discuss with potential clients the nature of the clients’ current relationship with other service providers and the implications, including possible benefits or risks, of entering into a relationship with a new service provider.
(b) If a new client has been served by another agency or colleague, social workers should discuss with the client whether consultation with the previous service provider is in the client’s best interest.
What It Means in Practice
There’s a professional courtesy element here—but more importantly, a clinical one. Clients deserve continuity, transparency, and a chance to reflect on what’s best for their care.
Key takeaways:
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Don’t rush to take on a new client just because they reach out. First, assess what they actually need—and whether jumping providers might create harm or confusion.
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Always ask about their current or recent provider and help the client consider how this shift might affect them.
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Suggest consulting with the prior provider if it will help support their care—especially if there are clinical risks, abrupt terminations, or diagnostic complexities.
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Avoid turf battles. This isn’t about claiming clients; it’s about supporting them.
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Document these discussions. You’re showing ethical reflection in action.
This principle is about client-centered transitions. If you’re stepping in mid-process, make sure you’re not unknowingly stepping on landmines from earlier work.
Practice Question
One way this material might show up on the licensing exam:
A social worker is contacted by a client who recently ended services with another therapist. The client is vague about why the last therapy relationship ended but expresses interest in starting fresh. What is the most ethical first step for the social worker?
A. Agree to begin treatment to help the client feel supported
B. Contact the previous therapist for clinical background
C. Discuss with the client their reasons for switching
D. Politely decline services until the client provides records from their last provider
This question is about slowing down and prioritizing the client’s long-term well-being. Let’s eliminate the wrong answers:
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A might feel client-centered, but jumping in without discussion can backfire.
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B ignores the client’s right to privacy and consent.
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D delays care without exploring what the client wants or needs.
C--discussing--opens space to reflect on the client’s history, preferences, and whether additional consultation would be helpful. It shows respect, caution, and clear communication. The correct answer is C.
Get more questions like this—grounded in real standards, crafted for the ASWB exam, and built to help you think like a social worker. Take a test and see how you score.