LPCC Clinical Procedures and Protocols 2

Question 1

A client discloses they have a specific plan to harm a family member within the next 24 hours. What is the counselor's FIRST priority?

Accepted Answer

Assess lethality, means access, and intent in detail

Answer

Thorough lethality assessment—evaluating plan specificity, means, intent, and timeline—must precede any intervention decision.

Question 2

Which intake procedure best ensures culturally competent care from the outset?

Accepted Answer

Asking the client about cultural factors that influence their view of mental health

Answer

Directly inquiring about cultural influences on mental health beliefs ensures the assessment is individualized and culturally responsive.

Question 3

During a structured diagnostic interview, a client endorses depressed mood, anhedonia, and weight loss for three weeks but denies suicidal ideation. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Explore additional DSM criteria to determine if the full threshold is met

Answer

A diagnosis requires meeting full DSM-5 criteria; three weeks is below the two-week minimum, but full symptom exploration is still required.

Question 4

A counselor uses the GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning) scale. Which score range indicates serious impairment in social and occupational functioning?

Accepted Answer

41–50

Answer

GAF scores of 41–50 reflect serious symptoms or any serious impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning.

Question 5

A counselor discovers mid-treatment that a new client is also receiving weekly therapy from another licensed counselor. What is the most clinically appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Obtain consent and coordinate care with the other counselor

Answer

Coordinating with the other provider, with client consent, prevents conflicting interventions and promotes continuity of care.

(LPCC) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors Certification Practice Test

(LPCC) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors Certification Practice Test

LPCC Clinical Procedures and Protocols 2