A social worker is struggling with treating a client with Pica. This disorder is not common among those served by her agency. The social worker believes that it is in the best interest of the client for her to obtain consultation. A colleague in the agency has shown interest in the situation and agrees to advise because she has known the social worker for many years and they both became employed at the agency immediately after graduation. In order to best assist the client, the social worker should:

Social workers should seek the advice and counsel of colleagues whenever such consultation is in the best interests of clients, but should only do so from colleagues who have demonstrated knowledge, expertise, and competence related to the subject of the consultation. Although willing, the colleague probably does not have expertise and competence related to the disorder because both social workers began working at the agency upon graduation and this disorder is not commonly treated in this setting. There is no conflict of interest in having a colleague in the same agency provide consultation if the colleague has the requisite knowledge and skills.