LMSW Crisis Intervention Strategies 2

Question 1

A client calls a crisis hotline stating they have a loaded gun and are considering using it. Which action should the social worker prioritize FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Ask the client to remove the gun from their immediate access

Answer

Means restriction—asking the client to create physical distance from a lethal means—is an evidence-based step that reduces impulsive suicide attempts.

Question 2

Which crisis intervention model emphasizes that crises arise when a person's usual coping mechanisms are overwhelmed and focuses on restoring pre-crisis equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Equilibrium model by Caplan

Answer

Caplan's equilibrium model views crisis as a state of disequilibrium and aims to help clients return to their pre-crisis level of functioning.

Question 3

During a natural disaster response, a social worker is triaging survivors. Which survivor should receive mental health crisis intervention FIRST?

Accepted Answer

An elderly man who is mute, staring blankly, and unresponsive to his name

Answer

Dissociative unresponsiveness (psychological numbing/freeze) signals acute traumatic stress requiring immediate stabilization.

Question 4

A social worker using the SLAP assessment discovers a client has a plan to overdose on medications tonight. What does the 'A' in SLAP stand for?

Accepted Answer

Availability of means

Answer

In SLAP (Specificity, Lethality, Availability, Proximity to help), 'A' stands for Availability of the means to carry out the plan.

Question 5

An adolescent discloses being sexually abused by a family member and says, 'Please don't tell anyone.' The LMSW's primary obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report to child protective services immediately as mandated by law

Answer

Mandated reporter laws require social workers to report known or suspected child abuse regardless of client confidentiality.

LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker Practice Test

LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker Practice Test

LMSW Crisis Intervention Strategies 2