MAKE A REFERRAL

Ready to Refer? We’ll Take It From Here.

Tell us who you’re referring and what they need, and our team will review it and reach out to the person directly. Referrals can go to any of our three programs: Community Resource Navigation, Peer Support & Community Stabilization, and Health Insurance Navigation. Not sure which one fits? Send it anyway, and we’ll help figure out the right next step together.

What Would You Like to Do?

START A NEW REFERRAL

Ready to refer someone to StrongSteps?

CHECK ELIGIBILITY

Review program requirements before submitting.

CHECK SERVICE AREA

Determine whether a program serves the individual's location.

GET REFERRAL HELP

Not sure where the referral belongs? Call provider assistance at (888) 604-5527.

Referral Sources

Who may submit a referral depends on the specific StrongSteps program.

Certain programs may permit self-referrals, family referrals, or referrals from other sources. Program-specific referral requirements apply.

Before You Refer

Review the program's general requirements.

Some StrongSteps programs may have specific geographic service areas.

Whenever appropriate, individuals should understand why the referral is being made and what StrongSteps may provide.

Incomplete referrals may delay review.

Make sure applicable consent and information-sharing requirements have been addressed.

A Referral Should Include the Person.

StrongSteps believes referrals should be person-centered whenever possible.

Before referring someone, we encourage providers to explain:

Whenever appropriate, ask the individual: “What would you like help with?” That answer matters.

Where Should This Referral Go?

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

For individuals who may benefit from support related to stability, independence, daily functioning, skill development, and community participation.

CARE COORDINATION

For individuals who may need assistance coordinating services, providers, resources, or other supports where an applicable StrongSteps program is available.

COMMUNITY NAVIGATION

For individuals who need help identifying and navigating community resources and social-care supports.

TRANSITION SUPPORT

For individuals navigating transitions between settings, services, programs, or other significant life circumstances.

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

For available StrongSteps programs and initiatives serving youth and young adults.

PEER & RECOVERY SUPPORT

For individuals who may benefit from peer-informed, recovery-oriented support.

HOUSING & BASIC NEEDS

For individuals who may need assistance navigating housing-related or other social-care resources.

Before You Start: Have This Ready

The referral is split into short sections. We only ask for information needed to review and process the referral.

Please do not send highly sensitive information through a general website form or regular email.

From Referral to Next Step

01

Referral Received

StrongSteps receives the referral through the designated referral process.

02

Initial Review

Our team reviews the referral for completeness and determines which program should review it.

03

Eligibility Review

Applicable program requirements are reviewed.

04

Additional Information

If necessary, StrongSteps may contact the referral source or individual for additional information or documentation.

05

Outreach

When appropriate, StrongSteps contacts the individual to discuss the program and possible next steps.

06

Program Determination

StrongSteps determines whether the individual can move forward with the applicable program.

07

Next Step

The individual and/or authorized referral source receives appropriate information regarding next steps.

Do Not Use This Form for an Emergency.

Routine StrongSteps referrals are not emergency-response services. Do not submit an online referral and wait for StrongSteps to respond if someone requires immediate emergency or crisis intervention. Once immediate safety needs have been addressed, an appropriate routine referral may be submitted for ongoing support.

Call 911

911

For an immediate, life-threatening emergency.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988

Call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24/7.

View Crisis Resources

See all crisis and emergency options, including New York State resources.

CORE Service Areas in Detail

Can I refer someone if I'm unsure which program they need?

Yes. Contact StrongSteps at (888) 604-5527, or select Unsure / Please Help Determine when that option is available within the referral process.

Self-referral availability depends on the specific program. Review Programs & Eligibility or contact StrongSteps.

It depends on the program. Some programs may allow family-initiated inquiries or referrals, while others require specific referral sources.

No. Referral submission does not guarantee eligibility, authorization, enrollment, funding, coverage, or immediate availability.

Providers should use the designated referral method for the applicable program. Sensitive information should not be sent through ordinary email unless StrongSteps has specifically established an appropriate secure process.

Only submit documentation required or reasonably necessary for the applicable program using the designated secure process.

Use the designated referral-status process or call (888) 604-5527. Have your referral confirmation information available.

You do not need to submit another referral to ask about the first one. Have your referral confirmation number, the individual's name, the date submitted, your referring organization and your contact information ready, then call 844-239-3280 or use the designated provider referral-status process when available. Privacy and authorization requirements may limit the information StrongSteps can provide.

Response and processing times may vary based on the program, referral completeness, staffing, capacity, authorization requirements, and individual circumstances.

Do not wait for routine referral processing when immediate emergency or crisis intervention is needed. Use appropriate emergency or crisis resources.

Not every referral will result in enrollment. An individual may not meet program eligibility, may live outside the program service area, may require a different level of care or a service StrongSteps does not provide, may not have required coverage or authorization, or may not be enrolled because of program capacity or other requirements. When appropriate and possible, StrongSteps may help identify other resources or possible next steps.

Missing information can delay review. If required information or documentation is missing, StrongSteps may contact the referral source, and the referral may not be able to proceed until it is received. Avoid delays by reviewing program eligibility, completing all required fields, providing accurate contact information, including required documentation, responding to requests for additional information, and ensuring appropriate authorization is in place.

One Referral Can Be the Beginning of a Different Path.

You don't need to navigate the referral process alone. If you know the program, start the referral. If you need to check eligibility, review the requirements. If you're unsure, call us at (888) 604-5527 Help someone take their next stronger step.