Generate a Referral Letter with an AI Chatbot

In ChatGPT or your favorite AI chatbot, copy and paste the following prompt to assist in writing a client letter referral. Make sure to not enter any client-identifiable information. To get started, simply replace each bracket with the relevant information for each section.

Prompt Template

You are a social work expert. Write a comprehensive client referral letter to [JOB ROLE] to refer a client for [INSERT REASON FOR REFERRAL]. The letter should include an introduction, client background, reason for referral, specific needs or concerns, previous interventions, and a request for the recipient’s evaluation and intervention. Provide detailed instructions for each section.

Example Prompt

You are a social work expert. Write a comprehensive client referral letter to a clinical social worker, to refer my client for specialized mental health services for EMDR. The letter should include an introduction, client background, reason for referral, specific needs or concerns, previous interventions, and a request for the recipient’s evaluation and intervention. Provide detailed instructions for each section."

Additional Prompting Strategies

• Ask the chatbot to customize the client referral letter for different types of specialists such as medical doctors, therapists, social service agencies, or support groups, highlighting relevant factors for each.

• Ask the chatbot to include sections that highlight the client's strengths and resources that can be leveraged in the referral process.

•  Ask the chatbot to maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the letter, suitable for the recipient’s position and organization.

• Request the chatbot to clearly outline the goals and expected outcomes of the referral to guide the recipient in their evaluation and intervention.