CLEE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CLEE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under California law, a client who disagrees with information in their mental health record may: → Submit a written addendum or statement of disagreement to be included in the record
2. A therapist plans to use an evidence-based treatment the client is unfamiliar with. Informed consent requires the therapist to: → Explain the treatment, its rationale, expected benefits, and any known risks
3. Under California Tarasoff law (Civil Code §43.92), a therapist's duty to warn is triggered by a patient's threat toward: → A reasonably identifiable third-party victim
4. A California therapist in solo private practice closes their practice and cannot locate several former clients to notify them. The therapist should: → Retain records per statutory requirements and attempt reasonable notification efforts
5. A minor aged 12 or older in California may consent to outpatient mental health treatment without parental consent under: → Family Code §6924
6. Under California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), who is classified as a mandated reporter? → Licensed mental health professionals, teachers, and other specified individuals
7. Electronic health records (EHRs) used by California mental health providers must comply with: → Both HIPAA security standards and California's data privacy laws, including CMIA
8. Which protective factor is most strongly associated with reduced suicide risk in the research literature? → Strong social support and identified reasons for living
9. When must a mandated reporter make an initial report of suspected child abuse in California? → Immediately or as soon as practically possible by phone
10. A mandated reporter who fails to report known or suspected child abuse in California may face: → Criminal misdemeanor charges and/or civil liability
11. In California, who is qualified to provide supervision hours that count toward MFT licensure? → A licensed MFT, LCSW, LPCC, or psychologist who meets BBS supervisor requirements
12. It is appropriate for the nursing assistant to share personal client information with ____. → the nursing assistant on the next shift
13. Which of the following is NOT a permissible disclosure of confidential information under California law? → Discussing a patient's case in detail at a social gathering
14. A therapist receives a written authorization from a patient to release records to their attorney. The therapist should: → Release the records as specified in the valid written authorization
15. A patient waives the psychotherapist-patient privilege when they: → Place their mental condition at issue in a legal proceeding
16. Under California law, a patient's right to access their own mental health records is governed by: → HIPAA and California Health and Safety Code §123111
17. In California, which board licenses Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)? → Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
18. Which California Welfare and Institutions Code section authorizes a 14-day involuntary psychiatric hold for intensive treatment after an initial 5150 hold? → WIC 5250
19. What is the standard of proof required for a mandated reporter to file an elder abuse report? → Reasonable suspicion
20. A resident in your care tells you that he does not like his current physician and wishes to be seen by another doctor. Your response to this should be ____. → to help the resident contact the social worker or RN for assistance in this matter
21. Mandated reporters of elder abuse in California who report in good faith are protected by: → Immunity from civil and criminal liability
22. A client who has signed an informed consent form later states they did not understand what they agreed to. The therapist's responsibility is to: → Revisit the consent information, answer questions, and ensure true understanding
23. Which California exam must an MFT associate pass before obtaining full licensure? → The California Law and Ethics Exam and the MFT Clinical Exam
24. A client asks to see their signed informed consent form. The therapist should: → Provide a copy promptly, as clients have the right to access their own records
25. Under California law, a BBS licensee convicted of a crime must report the conviction to the BBS within: → 90 days
26. A client changes their mind about consenting to a specific treatment component mid-therapy. The therapist should: → Honor the withdrawal, document it, and explore alternatives with the client
27. Under California law, a therapist may breach confidentiality without client consent when: → There is a serious and imminent threat of harm to an identifiable third party
28. A client requests to discontinue therapy. The therapist's ethical obligation regarding informed consent is to: → Inform the client of potential risks of discontinuing and provide referrals as appropriate
29. Regarding the duty to report under CANRA, a therapist's suspicion of child sexual abuse must be reported: → Regardless of whether the child has made a direct disclosure
30. Under HIPAA, what is the minimum necessary standard for disclosing protected health information? → Disclose only the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish the purpose