LCSW Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A social worker uses a standardized depression scale before and after treatment to evaluate client progress. This is an example of which evaluation design? → Single-subject design
2. Documentation in clinical social work serves all of the following purposes EXCEPT: → Sharing clinical impressions with the client's employer
3. In Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), which feature MOST distinguishes it from traditional case management? → A multidisciplinary team provides intensive, mobile services 24/7 in the community
4. A program evaluation that measures whether an intervention achieved its intended goals and outcomes is called: → Outcome evaluation
5. A client discloses they plan to harm a specific person. Under the Tarasoff duty-to-protect ruling, the LCSW must first: → Warn the identified potential victim and notify law enforcement
6. Which approach to crisis intervention emphasizes the client's existing strengths and resilience rather than focusing on pathology? → Strengths-based approach
7. What does 'lethal means counseling' involve in suicide prevention practice? → Working with clients and families to reduce access to potentially lethal items
8. An LCSW discovers they share a close mutual friend with a new client. The BEST ethical course of action is to: → Disclose the connection and assess whether to refer the client
9. When using technology for telehealth services, an LCSW must ensure: → HIPAA-compliant platforms are used and informed consent addresses telehealth specifics
10. Which of the following BEST describes a Type I error in research? → Incorrectly concluding that an effect exists when it does not
11. The Belmont Report's principle of 'justice' in research ethics refers to: → Ensuring fair distribution of research benefits and burdens across populations
12. An LCSW discovers that a supervisee has been romantically involved with a client. As supervisor, the LCSW should: → Address the violation, remove the supervisee from client contact, and report as required
13. Which DSM-5 specifier for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders indicates that symptoms have been present for less than one month but at least one day? → Brief Psychotic Disorder
14. What does 'lethality assessment' refer to in crisis intervention practice? → Evaluating the danger level and imminence of a client's risk of harm to self or others
15. Which research design collects data at a single point in time from a sample to examine relationships between variables? → Cross-sectional survey design
16. A social worker notices a correlation between high childhood adversity scores and adult depression in their clinical data. The CORRECT interpretation is: → There is a statistically significant association that warrants further causal study
17. When an LCSW suspects a colleague is practicing while impaired by substance use, the NASW Code of Ethics directs the social worker to: → Address the concern with the colleague and report if necessary
18. Which of the following is best categorized as a 'protective factor' against suicide? → Strong family and social support networks
19. A client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) most commonly reports worry that is: → Pervasive and difficult to control across multiple life domains
20. A client is being discharged from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. The MOST important priority for the LCSW in discharge planning is: → Ensuring a warm handoff to outpatient services with a follow-up appointment within 7 days
21. A minor client (age 15) shares information about self-harm behavior. Regarding confidentiality, the LCSW should: → Assess imminent risk and involve parents as clinically and legally appropriate
22. The concept of 'warm handoff' in case management refers to: → A live introduction between the client and the new provider to ensure continuity of care
23. When collaborating with a multidisciplinary treatment team, the LCSW's primary role is to: → Advocate for the client's psychosocial needs and ensure person-centered planning
24. When a social worker is providing crisis intervention to a client disclosing active domestic violence, what should be the FIRST consideration? → Assessing the client's immediate physical safety
25. A client calls and reports suicidal ideation with a specific, detailed plan. What is the MOST appropriate immediate response? → Initiate safety planning and coordinate emergency services if needed
26. Which type of crisis involves a sudden disruption caused by an unexpected traumatic event affecting an entire community? → Adventitious crisis
27. Which of the following is the BEST description of a dissociative symptom? → Detachment from one's own mental processes or sense of identity
28. A religious African American client expresses that prayer and church community are central to their coping with depression. The LCSW should BEST respond by: → Exploring how these spiritual resources can be integrated into the treatment plan
29. According to NASW ethical standards, which of the following is an example of a boundary violation rather than a boundary crossing? → Entering a sexual relationship with a former client after termination
30. Which of the following is a DSM-5 criterion that distinguishes Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) from Major Depressive Disorder? → Persistent depressed mood for at least 2 years