NJ A1657

School mental health professionals (student assistance coordinators, school counselors, school psychologists) may refer students to licensed professional counselors or practices outside the school for mental health assessments and services

School personnel are prohibited from referring students to any licensed counselor or practice in which they or their immediate family have a significant beneficial interest (conflict of interest restriction)

Parent or guardian notification and consent is required before any external mental health assessment or service is provided to students who cannot legally consent on their own

Licensed counselors or practices must obtain consent directly from the student (or parent/guardian if student cannot legally consent) before providing services

School districts and referring staff are not financially responsible for external counseling costs unless otherwise required by law, and schools retain authority to continue providing their own mental health services before or after referrals