LMSW 1 Flashcards

A social worker is conducting an initial assessment with a new client who presents with symptoms of depression. The client mentions they have been experiencing thoughts of suicide but denies any specific plan or intent. What should the social worker do FIRST?

Answer: Conduct a thorough suicide risk assessment to determine the level of danger

A thorough suicide risk assessment is the first step to determine lethality, intent, means, and protective factors. This information guides the appropriate level of intervention and whether hospitalization, a safety plan, or outpatient care is indicated.

A social worker in a community mental health center is working with a client from a cultural background different from their own. The client describes a spiritual healing practice that the social worker is unfamiliar with. The BEST approach is to:

Answer: Ask the client to explain the practice and explore how it fits into their care

Cultural humility requires social workers to approach unfamiliar practices with curiosity and openness. Asking the client to share their perspective fosters trust and ensures the care plan is culturally responsive and client-centered.

A social worker has been seeing a client in individual therapy for six months. The client asks to become friends on social media and invites the social worker to their birthday party. How should the social worker respond?

Answer: Decline both and explain the importance of maintaining professional boundaries

Maintaining clear professional boundaries is a core ethical obligation. Dual relationships — such as becoming social media friends or attending personal events — can compromise objectivity, exploit the power differential, and harm the therapeutic relationship.

During a family therapy session, a teenager discloses to the social worker that they have been using marijuana recreationally but asks the social worker not to tell their parents. The teenager does not appear to be in danger. What is the MOST appropriate response?

Answer: Honor the teenager's confidentiality and explore the behavior further within the session

Recreational marijuana use by a teenager, while concerning, does not constitute imminent danger and does not automatically trigger a duty to breach confidentiality. The social worker should explore the behavior further while respecting the client's privacy within the bounds of applicable law.

A social worker learns that a colleague is billing Medicaid for services that were never rendered. What is the social worker's ethical obligation?

Answer: Take action through appropriate channels, such as reporting to a supervisor or ethics board

The NASW Code of Ethics requires social workers to take action when they become aware of colleagues' unethical conduct. Medicaid fraud harms clients and the public; reporting through appropriate channels — supervisor, licensing board, or ethics committee — fulfills this professional duty.

A social worker is providing case management services to a client who is homeless and has a severe mental illness. The client refuses all housing placements offered. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

Answer: Continue engaging the client, explore barriers to accepting housing, and document the refusal

Client self-determination means the social worker must respect the client's right to refuse services while continuing to engage and explore underlying barriers such as past trauma, distrust, or specific housing concerns. Ongoing engagement and documentation are essential in harm-reduction-oriented practice.