A client wants peer mentoring and community living skills coaching outside clinical therapy. Which referral is most appropriate?

When a client wants peer mentoring and community living skills coaching outside clinical therapy, referral to a Center for Independent Living for peer support and independent living skills training is the most appropriate community-resource action. CILs specialize in consumer-controlled, peer-based IL services that complement state VR counseling without replacing vocational planning. Referring only to inpatient psychiatry because peer support is not a rehab resource fails because peer mentoring is a recognized independent living resource, not an automatic hospital pathway. Advising against community partners so the counselor remains the sole helper fails because no single counselor can replace an entire IL network of peers and skills trainers. Sending the client to an employer to request therapy during work hours fails because employers are not IL peer providers and conflates workplace accommodation with clinical or peer support. Exam caveat: CILs vary in services and eligibility; confirm local capacity and the client’s preference for peer versus clinical supports before locking the plan. Operational check: contact the local CIL with the client (or provide a warm handoff), specify the request for peer mentoring and IL skills coaching, and document the appointment rather than only handing a cold phone number.