NJ S2380

Student assistance coordinators, school counselors, school psychologists, and other mental health professionals in school districts may refer students to licensed professional counselors for mental health assessments and services

Referrals are prohibited if the school employee, their immediate family, or both have a significant beneficial interest in the licensed counseling individual or practice receiving the referral

Parental or guardian notification and consent is required before any assessment or services when the student cannot legally consent on their own; licensed providers must also obtain consent before providing services

School districts and referring employees are not financially responsible for the cost of assessments or services provided through these referrals, unless otherwise required by law

School districts retain authority to provide their own mental health assessments and services to students before or after making a referral to an outside licensed professional