FREE MSW Master of Social Work Assessment and Treatment Planning Questions and Answers Flashcards
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Read the first 6 FREE MSW Master of Social Work Assessment and Treatment Planning Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A social worker is conducting a biopsychosocial assessment for a client experiencing homelessness. Which component should be prioritized first to ensure immediate safety?
Answer: Assessing current medical needs and substance use
Immediate safety concerns including medical needs and active substance use must be assessed first when working with clients experiencing homelessness.
When developing a treatment plan using the strengths-based perspective, which of the following best reflects this approach?
Answer: Identifying client resilience factors and natural support systems
The strengths-based perspective centers on identifying and leveraging a client's existing resilience, capabilities, and support networks in treatment planning.
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder presents for treatment planning. What is the most current best practice for addressing co-occurring disorders?
Answer: Use an integrated treatment approach addressing both disorders simultaneously
Integrated treatment that simultaneously addresses both mental health and substance use disorders is considered the evidence-based best practice for co-occurring conditions.
During a risk assessment, a client states they have been thinking about death but deny having a specific plan. How should the social worker classify this level of suicidal ideation?
Answer: Passive suicidal ideation requiring further assessment
Thoughts of death without a specific plan are classified as passive suicidal ideation, which still requires thorough follow-up assessment and safety planning.
Which of the following is the most appropriate use of the DSM-5 in social work treatment planning?
Answer: As a diagnostic framework that informs but does not dictate the treatment plan
The DSM-5 provides a diagnostic framework that should inform treatment planning alongside comprehensive assessment, not serve as the sole determinant of interventions.
A social worker is writing measurable treatment plan goals for a client with generalized anxiety disorder. Which goal best meets the criteria for being measurable and time-limited?
Answer: Client will reduce anxiety symptoms as measured by the GAD-7 from a score of 18 to below 10 within 12 weeks
A measurable goal specifies the assessment tool, baseline score, target score, and timeframe, making progress objectively trackable.