LCSW STUDY GUIDE 2025-2026

1. Sam and Chrissy, who have been mar ried for seven years, have decided to pursue
therapy as a final effort before considering divorce. They have agreed to attend six
counseling sessions before making their final decision. During the first session, they
recall a weekend getaway two years ago as the last time they felt truly connected and
enjoyed each other's company. What aspect of this trip should the social worker
encourage them to explore?

2. While conducting an in -home assessment for a disability application, a socia l worker
speaks with a client who reports chronic shoulder and back pain as the basis for their
claim. However, during the visit, the social worker observes that the client is able to
bend down to pick up objects and reach for items on high shelves without visible
difficulty or signs of discomfort. What is the most appropriate assessment of this
case?

3. In a mental health agency funded by managed care networks, staff are required to
provide only short -term treatment approaches and to serve all clients referred within
designated zip codes. Which core social work value is MOST at risk o f being
compromised by these policies?

4. A social worker is conducting an initial assessment with a new client who identifies
as gay and is seeking support as they consider coming out. Which factor would BEST
help the social worker understand the client’s sociohistorical background and how it
may influence their decision -making process?

5. When conducting a trauma assessment, a social worker should:

6. Which of the following tasks is NOT a shared responsibility between a social work
supervisor and their supervisee?

7. A social worker has been tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of multiple
senior daycare programs within a community. What is the most appropriate research
approach to achieve this?

8. A married couple seeking counseling reports challenges in their relationship. The
wife shares that she grew up in a dysfunctional household with neglect and parental
alcoholism, making it difficult for her to trust others or sustain stable relationships. As
a result, their marriage is marked by constant conflict, frequent accusations,
impulsive aggress ion, and demands for separation. These are often followed by brief
episodes of intense idealization, where she praises her husband as the “best thing
that ever happened” to her or believes she is unworthy of him. What is the most
probable diagnosis?

9. Following a widely publicized incident involving substance use, state lawmakers are
drafting legisla tion to reduce funding for substance use treatment centers,
reallocating the funds to expand state prison programs. Which response best reflects
the ethical responsibilities of social workers as outlined by the National Association of
Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics?

10. During the termination phase of therapy, what should the social worker do FIRST?

11. A client attends a session with his wife, who reports concerns about noticeable changes in his memory and language abilities. The client himself denies experiencing a loss of enjoyment in daily activities and does not report feelings of sadness. While he can manage his medications, he requires assistance with organizing his medication box and setting reminders. The social worker suspects:

12. The following definition describes psychological coping mechanisms commonly
found in which of the following environm ents?
A distinctive set of psychological adaptations that lead to a persistent biopsychosocial
state of heightened anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, emotional detachment, social
withdrawal, and dependence on external authority.

13. A social worker is assigned to assist an 18 -year -old male with an intellectual
disability who has aged out of foster care and is in need of safe, affordable housing.
He has a history of childhood abuse, neglect, and sexual trauma within his biological
family. The social worker secures a placement for him in a shared home with two
roommates and staff support for daily living activities. After his second night in the
home, the social worker receives a call from staff reporting that the client was
violently assaulted by a roommate and is now in the emergency roo m. The social
worker subsequently experiences difficulty sleeping and struggles to complete other
work assignments. She requests to be removed from all housing placement cases.
The social worker is likely experiencing:

14. A social worker is working with a 16 -year -old who has displayed frequent temper
outbursts over the past year. He regularly argues with authority figures, refuses to
comply with requests, is easily irritated, and often blames others instead of taking
responsibility for his actions. Four months ago, he was caught in a single shoplifting
incident. What is the most appropriate diagnosis for this youth?

15. A 26 -year -old woman consults a social worker about her strong urge to k eep her
bedroom blinds open at night, allowing her male neighbor to see her undressing. She
is aware of the potential problems —her neighbor is married, and others passing by
might also witness her actions. However, she finds these risks exciting and
stimul ating. She frequently thinks about ways to orchestrate situations where the
neighbor might catch her in a compromising position. What is the most appropriate
diagnosis for her behavior?

16. A married couple is seeing a social worker due to financial strain following the
husband's job loss and his lack of motivation to seek ne w employment. The husband
reports that he and his wife struggle with communication, and he is particularly
frustrated that she frequently discusses their personal difficulties with her mother.
This situation is an example of:

17. When comparing child neglect to physical abuse, which of the following statements
is NOT accurate?

18. The prevalence of nonsuicidal self -injury (NSSI ) within a school population is BEST
understood by examining which student characteri stic?

19. A middle -aged woman attending her biweekly therapy session i s working on
overcoming social anxiety disorder. She has set a personal goal of meeting with a
friend once a month and has an upcoming social meeting planned for the weekend.
However, as the date approaches, her anxiety is increasing. Which intervention
would be the MOST helpful for the client at this moment?

20. A medical social worker receives a call from a community social worker requesting
information about a shared client. However, the medical social worker does not have
a signed consent form allowing them to sha re details. What is the appropriate
response?

21. A licensed social worker with 3.5 years of professional experience has recently
relocated to a new city. Their primary approaches include Solution -Focused Brief
Therapy (SFBT) and cognitive -behavioral interventions. Which of the following
supervision models would provide the MOST appropriate support and oversight?

22. Which of the following statements is NOT cor rect when comparing motivational
interviewing (MI) and psychoeducation?

23. To meet the di agnostic criteria for schizophrenia, a person must exhibit at least two
of the three primary symptoms for a significant portion of a one -month period.
Which of the following is NOT considered one of the three key symptoms?

24. A social work student is struggling to balance self -care with academic demands , field
placement responsibilities, and a part -time job. She is beginning to doubt whether
pursuing a social work degree is the right path due to her increasing stress levels. In a
conversation with her professor, she is encouraged to establish a consisten t self -care
routine. Which option would be the MOST effective self -care strategy for her to
implement?

25. A school social worker is scheduled to meet with a 9 -year -old boy due to his
disruptive behavior in class. Instead of starting with an office visit, the social worker
first observes the st udent in the classroom. The following behaviors are noted: he is
constantly moving and shifting in his seat; he talks without stopping; he frequently
leaves his seat to run around and touch various objects. Despite the teacher’s efforts
to redirect him, he seems to forget instructions almost immediately. When the class
moves into an art activity that engages most students, he still struggles to focus,
jumping from one task to another. He appears unable to slow down enough to follow
even simple directions. D uring the rare moments he is still, he seems lost in thought,
staring out the window. What is the MOST likely diagnosis for this child?

26. A new organization is set to launch services for th e local community in five months.
The agency aims to establish contracts with service providers and compile a list of
local resources for clients. The program director has been tasked with building
connections with other agencies in the area. What is the m ost effective next step for
professional networking?

27. A child’s genetic test indicates a small number of gene mutations. Which statement
is TRUE?

28. A senior client is preparing for discharge from a short -term rehabilitation center
following surgery. During her final session with t he social worker, she expresses
concerns about returning home due to her verbally abusive spouse. The facility’s
administration is pressuring the social worker to proceed with discharge, citing that
the spouse has not engaged in physical abuse and that in -home therapy is already
scheduled. What should the social worker do?

29. How can incorporating a feedback l oop influence the early phase of a community -led
structural intervention (CLSI)?

30. What is the correct sequence of steps required to obtain social work licensure?

31. A social worker is meeting with a client who was previously diagnosed with heroin
use disorder. Over the past five months, he has not met the criteria for substance use
disorder except for experiencing cravings. He currently resides with his mother and is
receiving methadone treatment. How would his status be classified?

32. A social worker notices that the agency’s intake forms do not include space for
clients to specify their preferred pronouns. What would be the BEST microlevel
intervention to ensure clients can p rovide this information?

33. A supervisor notices that one of her employees has difficulty completing
documentation on time but receives very positive feedback from client satisfaction
surveys. The supervisor suspects that giving the social worker a poor performance
review may lead to their resignation. What is the BEST course of action?

34. In a county psychiatric emergency clinic, a social worker is assigned to assess a 19 -
year -old woman who has been brought in by her parents due to concerns about
psychotic behavior. She appears disheveled, with poor hygiene, and displays unu sual
behavior. During the interview, she frequently pauses mid -sentence, speaks in a
disorganized manner, laughs inappropriately, and sometimes looks away. She
intermittently engages with the social worker but suddenly claims that the worker is
controlling her thoughts and that she sees strange objects floating nearby. Her
parents report that these symptoms have been ongoing for nearly a year but
worsened that evening when she physically attacked her mother, insisting that her
mother was a clone and trying to “remove” the real one. There is no recent history of
substance abuse, though a past positive test for amphetamines was noted. What is
the MOST likely diagnosis?

35. Brad, a 40 -year -old veteran, has recently transitioned from military service to civilian
life. He is struggling to reconnect with his wife and children, feeling overwhelmed by
their emotional needs and the daily responsibilities of family life. He is unsure how to
reestablish his role within his household. What should the social worker do FIRST?

36. A newly hired social worker has been in the field for three months. She is feeling
overwhelmed by an ever -growing task list, often working late into the night. She is
starting to question whether social work is the right career choice. What is the BEST
way for her to manage her stress?

37. An elderly woman has recently begun dialysis at a clinic where a social worker is
employed. Her son holds medical power of attorney. She has attended two session s
willingly, expressing optimism that the treatment will enhance her energy and overall
well-being. However, before her third session, she is hospitalized with pneumonia
and later discharged to an assisted living facility. The dialysis clinic is informed t hat
her mental state has declined, and she is now experiencing delirium and incoherent
speech. The social worker discusses the risks of discontinuing treatment with her son
and later attempts to contact the client directly, but she does not answer or retur n
the call. Given that stopping dialysis will cause rapid health deterioration, what is the
social worker required to do?

38. A supervisor at a hospice organization has encouraged a social worker to improve their time management skills. The social worker has the following tasks for today:
1. Compile a report of completed home visits, which was due one day ago.
2. Call to schedule an appointment for a new client, which is due within 24 hours.
3. Conduct a home visit for a client, which must be completed by the end of the
week.
4. Return a missed call from a respite facility regarding necessary discharge
paperwork.
5. Attend a morning meeting with a client and their children concerning potential
neglect by in-home staff.
The social worker can only complete four of these tasks today. Which of the following prioritization lists is the MOST appropriate, ranked by importance?

39. What is the FIRST step in evidence -based practice (EBP)?

40. A social worker has conducted an initial evaluation for a young adult with a moderate
intellectual disability who has limited verbal communication skills. Through careful
observation and input from caregivers, the social worker has identified multiple signs
of anxiety and depression. To determine and implement an effective treatment plan,
the social worker wishes to collaborate with another professional. Who should the
social worker consult with FIRST?

41. Which definition most accurately describes evidence -based practice (EBP)?

42. A soc ial worker seeks to collect data to demonstrate the effective use of funding in a
homelessness prevention initiative. Which of the following datasets would BEST
illustrate program efficiency?

43. While working with an 11-year-old girl, the social worker observes that she struggles with verbal expression, including difficulties in word choice and sentence structure. Intelligence testing confirms normal cognitive functioning, and additional assessments do not indicate sensory impairments or medical conditions. Based on these observations, what would be the MOST likely provisional diagnosis?

44. A hospital social worker notices a familiar name on the patient list and realizes that a
personal friend has been admitted. Although the social w orker is not assigned to the
case, he accesses the client’s electronic medical record out of curiosity. This action:

45. Which demographic group is the MOST disproportionately represented among
individuals who die by suicide?

46. MOST trauma responses are NOT:

47. A 34 -year -old man schedules an appointment with a social worker to seek guidance
in handling a challenging personal relationship. During the intake session, he reveals
his belief that a well -known actress harbors secret romantic feelings for him. He has
sent multiple letters to her fan club and has only received responses from the club ’s
staff, never from the actress herself. However, he insists that this is because she is
"not yet able to openly express her affection" due to an ongoing relationship with a
wealthy businessman. When questioned about the businessman, he avoids the topic.
What would be the MOST appropriate preliminary diagnostic impression, considering
the subtype of delusional disorder?

48. What is one key strength of modern d evelopmental theories that incorporate the
experiences of LGBTQ individuals?

49. What is the BEST definition of a feedback loop?

50. A medical social worker reviews a client’s karyotype test results in their medical
records. What information can the social worker obtain from this report?

51. A client is brought to a county mental health center by local law enfor cement. He
has no identification and is unable to recall any personal details about himself. His
memory loss appears genuine, and he is not facing any accusations or threats. He has
receipts and papers indicating that he recently traveled hundreds of miles , but he is
unable to confirm this information. There is no known history of head trauma,
substance use, or prior mental health issues. What is the most appropriate initial
working diagnosis?

52. Client-centered therapy emphasizes the importance of which three key therapeutic
approaches?

53. A same -sex couple, married for four years, seeks therapy to improve their
relationship. They met during college and were together for three years before
getting married. Although they have some family support, most extended family
members have distanced themselves due to the couple’s sexual orientation. When
asked about their goals for therapy, they e xpress visible frustration and are unable to
agree on a shared objective. What should be the NEXT step in initiating therapy?

54. Which population group BEST matches the following description?
Many individuals within this population can function independently with minimal
assistance, while others require significant care and support. At least 30% of people
in this group experience a mental health condition. They often reside with family
members, and their chronic health conditions frequently go undiagnosed.

55. Children are at the highest risk of experiencing negative consequences when their
parents have which characteristic?

56. A social worker is working with two clients who have outstanding balances for
services due to job loss. Both clients have been making progress toward their
treatment goals. One client is actively seeking employment and working with a job
coach, while the other appears to be struggling with motivation and may be
experiencing symptoms of depression. What is the social worker required to do
before discontinuing services?

57. An experienced social worker wants to develop a new youth program to serve their
community.
Which of the following correctly outlines the sequence for planning and
implementing a new program?

58. A private -practice social worker has been working with a client for four weeks, and
the client has an overdue balance of $100. During the initial intake session, the social
worker verbally explained the payment policy but did not have the client sign a
written agreement. What is the social worker’s ethical obligation regarding service
termination due to nonpayment?

59. A social worker is called to a medical clinic to assess a 56 -year -old woman who has
persistent concerns about a recent melanoma diagnosis. Two years ago, she had a
small skin lesion removed from her nose, which was found to have precancerous
changes upon pathological examination. Since then, she has become excessively
preoccupied with her skin’s condition, frequently inspecting every blemish. Despite
multiple visits to her dermatologist, no new issues have been detected, yet her
anxiety remains. She c onstantly asks her spouse to check her skin, particularly her
back, leading to frustration in their relationship. Additionally, she refuses to go
outside unless fully covered to avoid sun exposure, which has resulted in her avoiding
outdoor activities enti rely. What is the MOST likely diagnosis for her condition?

60. Which of the following tactics would NOT typically be employed by community social
workers operating u nder the framework of conflict theory?

61. A social worker in an oncology clinic is the only provider available for counseling
services in a small community. They decide to join a local book club and, at the first
meeting, notice that one of the members is a client from the clinic. What is the social
worker’s most appropriate c ourse of action?

62. Which factor ca n help reduce the likelihood of a client experiencing emotional
distress during the termination phase of treatment?

63. Which of the following factors is NOT si gnificantly influenced by the rate of
incarceration within a community?

64. A woman contacts a senior services agen cy seeking help for her elderly uncle. She
visits him twice a week since he lives alone. Today, she found him wearing the same
clothes he had on during her last visit, with piles of trash accumulating in his home.
He refuses to see his doctor for health an d safety concerns, and she is unable to
provide further support. What should the geriatric social worker do FIRST?

65. What percentage of children in the United States have been diagnosed with
attention -deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

66. Which of the following characteristics in a caregiver is a strong indicator of potential
child maltreatment?

67. An 18 -year -old client presents with a detached and withdrawn demeanor. He has no
friends and spends most of his time ou tside of school building model airplanes. He
does not meet the criteria for an autism spectrum disorder. His mother describes him
as "different, hard to engage in conversation —not a bad kid, just distant.” What is
the most likely DSM -5-TR diagnosis?

68. A social worker at a rural nonprofit agency receives a referral for a family that has
recently learned their infant has a complex genetic condition. The mother expresses
distress and guilt over the diagnosis. Which of her concerns is the social worker
UNABLE to address with certainty?

69. The revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth
Edition (DSM -5) introduced significant modifications to class ifications and categories.
Which of the following is NOT included as a DSM -5 category?

70. Which of the following initiatives represents a mezzo -level primary prevention
approach for preventing child maltreatment?

71. A social worker is called to assess a 23 -year -old man in a hospital emergency
department. He arrived with fears of experiencing a heart attack, but medical tests
have ruled this out. He reports that his symptoms have subsided, but when they
occurred, he experienced rapid heartbeat, shaking, difficulty breathing , and chest
tightness. He assumed these symptoms were related to heart problems, particularly
since his father recently passed away from a heart attack. After further conversation,
he admits that these episodes have been happening frequently over the past month.
He has also been sleeping in his car outside the hospital for several nights, fearing
that he might need immediate medical help. His symptoms tend to arise suddenly
and peak within minutes, making him anxious about being too far from assistance.
Wha t is the most likely diagnosis?

72. In a major urban area, three organizations work to support individuals experiencing
homelessness. The leaders of these organizations were frustrated by the city’s failure
to invest in affordable housing. A social work consultant assis ted them in developing
a collaborative approach and an action plan. Their joint efforts led to two individuals
with lived experience of homelessness joining the city's task force on homelessness
prevention, as well as the implementation of citywide limits on annual rent increases.
Which strategy MOST likely contributed to the policy change on rent control?

73. The SCM and TLM frameworks emphasize various social work principles. The newer Social Action, Leadership, and Transformation (SALT) model integrates which ethical social work principle more explicitly than SCM or TLM?

74. A case manager has been assigned to a n ew case. The child receiving services
speaks fluent English and some Polish, while the parents primarily speak Polish but
understand some English. Unfortunately, the Polish interpreter scheduled for today’s
meeting did not show up. What should the case man ager do?

75. What is the MOST essential factor in demonstrating the effectiveness of a
community -based initiative?

76. The dominance of direct practice in social work has hindered the integration of which
theoretical framework into the field?

77. Which statement accurately pairs a learning method with its intended educational
benefit?

78. A 23 -year-old woman who recently got married has been referred for counseling
due to experiencing pain during intercourse. She had no prior sexual activity before
marriage, so there is no history of past experiences to compare. The pain occurs
during penetration, but there are no involuntary muscle spasms; instead, she
experiences significant vaginal dryness. What is the correct diagnosis for her
condition?

79. A social work supervisor observes a newly hired employee conducting their first
intake session. During the session, the social worker appears visibly distressed as the
client describes a recent traumatic event. When the client pa uses to drink water, the
social worker quickly shifts the conversation to another topic, missing an opportunity
to ask follow -up questions that could help assess the impact of the trauma. What is
the BEST approach for the supervisor to take in the next sup ervision meeting?

80. A new organization is set to begin offering services to the local community in five
months. To prepare, the agency wants to establish a network of contracted service
providers and compile a list of local resources for clients. The program director has
been tasked with reaching out to other agencies in the area. What is the BEST initial
step for the director to start profess ional networking?

81. What type of support do infant mental health services provide to parents?

82. When should a comprehensive trauma assessment be conducted?

83. In motivational interviewing, techniques that emphasize discrepancies serve what
purpose?

84. Which demographic factor is MOST strongly associated with increased vulnerability
to biopsychosocial challenges?

85. A social worker with eight years of experience working with survivors of
interpersonal violence has developed a new approach to help prevent survivors from
experiencing fu rther victimization. When applying for grant funding to support this
initiative, what should the social worker include?

86. A mother schedules an intake appointment with a social worker for her preteen
daughter, who has been displaying difficult behavioral changes. During the session,
the daughter confides that she has developed feelings for a girl in her science class
and is unsure how to process these emotions. What is th e BEST way for the social
worker to respond?

87. A diverse group of professionals from a city has come together t o discuss the well -
being of their community. A social worker is leading a conversation to establish a
consensus on three key issues to focus on in the coming year. Although the group has
narrowed down their priorities, some members are still hesitant to fi nalize them.
What should the social worker do NEXT to facilitate agreement?

88. George, a middle -aged man, tells his social worker that he has recently started using
marijuana frequently with his colleagues after work. He shares that he experimented
with the substance in his youth but had stopped until recently. Three months ago, he
started a new job aft er being laid off from a company where he worked for ten years.
He reports no medical concerns. George’s mother struggled with substance abuse
during his childhood, but he no longer has contact with her. While he admits that his
new job is stressful, he sa ys he is managing. Which approach should the social worker
take to evaluate the multiple factors influencing George’s situation?

89. A couple brings their 3 -year -old child to an outpatient therapy session for an initial
assessment. They describe his behavior as frequently refusing to follow instructions,
intimidating ot her children, and displaying a consistently irritable mood. What is the
most probable diagnosis?

90. When preparing a clinical case presentation, what should a social worker do?

91. A social work inter n is completing a field placement under the supervision of an
experienced domestic violence social worker. The intern helps facilitate a support
group for women affected by domestic violence. The supervisor observes that the
intern is using inappropriate l anguage during discussions (e.g., referring to group
members as “victims” and asking why they stayed in abusive relationships). After the
meeting, the supervisor pulls the intern aside to discuss trauma -informed care. What
is the BEST way to educate and su pport the intern?

92. A mother and her three children have recently arrived at a transitional family shelter
and are being evaluated by an interdisciplinary team, including a social worker, a
housing specialist, and an education/ employment specialist. The family became
homeless after the mother lost her job in another city and moved to a larger one in
search of work. They had been living in their car, which was recently broken into,
leaving them with no belongings. The entire fami ly appears unwell, and the eldest
child, a 4 -year -old boy with severe asthma, requires a stable indoor environment. The
3-year -old daughter appears emotionally unresponsive, while the 9 -month -old infant
is visibly hungry and lacks diapers and essential sup plies. Arrangements are being
made for food. What should be the social worker’s FIRST step before presenting the
case to the agency director?

93. A social worker has submitted a resignation notice and is preparing for their last few
sessions with clients. Another social worker at the agency will take over the cases,
but they are unavailable for joint meetings with clients, which the departing social
worker had hoped to facilitate. What is the BEST way for the departing social worker
to ensure clients remain engaged and transition smoothly to working with the new
social worker?

94. A single mother and her teenage son seek help due to ongoing conflicts in their
relationship. The son frequently refuses to follow instructions, engages in frequent
arguments over trivial matters, an d displays resentment toward normal parental
expectations. His school performance is barely passing, but he has had only one
unexcused absence during the current academic year, which is nearing completion.
What would be the most suitable diagnosis?

95. The director of counseling services for an employee assistance program at a large
insurance company has observed that women report experiencing workplace
discrimination from coworkers at higher rates than men. Which theoretical
framework best explains this phenomenon?

96. An elderly man preparing to enter hospice care invites his family to attend an
intake meeting with the hospice agency. During the visit, he decides to sign a do -not-
resuscitate (DNR) order, which causes his family to become visibly upset. What is the
MOST appropriate response from the hospice social worker?

97. A social worker is counseling a couple experiencing relationship difficulties. One
partner complains, “I’m so frustrated that he neve r understands me. He doesn’t
listen!” The other expresses concern about trust issues. The social worker observes a
dynamic in the session that might be contributing to both partners’ concerns. What is
the social worker most likely noticing?

98. Among individuals diagnosed with either a mental health condition or a subs tance
use disorder, approximately what proportion will experience both at some point in
their lives?

99. During an initial assessment concerning possible parental neglect, a child repeatedly
provides the following respon se: “My mom’s name is Joan Smith. She is a great mom.
She takes care of me. She is a great mom. I love spending time with her.” The child
continues repeating similar reassurances throughout the conversation. What
conclusion can the social worker draw from this response?

100. Which of the follo wing statements regarding co -occurring disorders is TRUE?

101. Which core value of social work is BEST exemplified by family life education
programs ?

102. A middle school student is referred to the school social worker due to increased
isolation and a decline in academic performance. Previously, she had been on the
honor roll for two years. During their discussion, the social w orker learns that the
student is struggling with her parents’ recent separation and the changes in her
home life. To strengthen the student’s support system using the person -in-
environment framework, the school social worker should:

103. After being released from incarceration, which individual is likely to face the greatest
challenges when reintegrating into society?

104. What is the MOST significant protective factor for LGBTQ youth?

105. A social worker presents a complex case to their supervisor for discussion. After
reviewing the details, the supervisor suggests that the client’s unique life experiences
significantly impact their current behavior and decision -making. Which of the
following populations is the client most likely to belong to?
The client is reserved, rarely expresses their thoughts or emotions, and maintains a
stoic demeanor. They struggle with making decisions and frequently defer to others.
Additionally, the cli ent appears older than their reported age and is classified as
obese.

106. A newly assigned child protective services caseworker is working with a Native
American family fo r the first time. What is the FIRST step the caseworker should take
to appropriately assess risk factors?

107. A program evaluation report has been completed and submitted to the program
director. The findings indicate that the program’s service delivery does not meet the
standards set by the board of directors. How should the program direct or proceed?

108. When developing a treatment plan, a social worker must select strategies that align
with all of the following EXCEPT:

109. Beyond the digestive system, which other bodily systems contribute to the
processing and distribution of nutrients throughout the body?

110. What is a key distinction between a biopsychosocia l assessment and a mental status
examination?

111. A 52 -year -old man has been referred to a social worker due to difficulties with family
and work. He recently lost his executiv e position at a major company and has been
unable to secure new employment. During the intake session, he reports feeling
persistently down and unable to enjoy past hobbies like golf. Instead, he spends most
of his time at home, either sleeping or sitting idly. He feels hopeless and worthless
and has trouble concentrating on job listings. Additionally, he has gained 18 pounds.
He confesses to drinking more alcohol and mentions hearing voices telling him he is a
failure and that things won’t improve. He atte mpts to block out these voices but finds
that only alcohol silences them. Based on this information, what is the most probable
primary diagnosis?

112. A client is working toward reunification with their children following a history of
substance addiction. Which of the following statements represents the BEST example
of a SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time -bound) goal?

113. A supervisor overseeing ten case managers is preparing for the agency’s annual
audit. To ensure accuracy in documentation, the supervisor assigns each case
manager’s file to a peer for review. The peer revie w focuses on checking
documentation deadlines, consent forms, and up -to-date demographic information.
The findings from this review will provide insights into all of the following EXCEPT:

114. For which of the following populations is the involvement of family or caregivers
MOST essential for the successful implementation of mental health treatment plans?

115. Which of the following represents a primary prevention approach to promoting
healthy aging?

116. In the task -centere d practice model, what is a primary role of the social worker?

117. A social work supervisor wants to help prevent staff from experiencing burnou t.
Which approach would be the MOST effective?

118. Which of the following abilities are MOST essential for socia l workers engaged in
community practice?

119. Simon, a 66 -year -old man, was recently ordered by the court to attend counseling
following a public outburst. He became angry at a store clerk over a minor issue and
yelled at a woman over a can of beans. When the caseworker speaks with Simon’s
wife, she says that he has always been a kind and easygoing person, but recently he
has been acting “difficult.” As they leave, Simon appears confused and says, “I don’t
even understand why I’m here.” What is the MOST LIKELY initial diagnosis the
caseworker shou ld consider?

120. When analyzing the experiences of men and women in the criminal justice system,
which of the following statements is FALSE?

121. A therapist is conducting telehealth sessions with a new client and has started to
form a personal connection due to similarities in age, interests, and life experiences.
The therapist has begun sharing personal details that are not relevant to the client’s
treatment. What is this type of situation called?

122. Which of the following factors does NOT predict the mental health status of LGBTQ
individuals in middle adulthood?

123. Which of the following are research -supported methods for reducing criminal
recidivism?

124. Which factor has the most significant impact on a child's development after being
separated from their parents?

125. A case management agency director has observed that case managers supporting
clients have felt increasingly isolated from their colleagues due to the COVID -19
pandemic . Many newly hired case managers are uncertain about how to handle
routine challenges. What type of supervision would be the MOST beneficial for these
case managers?

126. A socia l worker employed at a domestic violence shelter has become increasingly
pessimistic about clients’ ability to change their relationship patterns. He is struggling
to find motivation to prepare for group skill -building sessions and has started looking
for new job opportunities, hoping that a new supervisor will recognize his efforts and
reignite his passion for social work. What type of work -related distress is this social
worker most likely experiencing?

127. A social worker has received a mental health referral for a client who speaks Nepali.
In the service area, the Nepali -speaking community is very small, and the supervisor
has emphasized being mindful of interpretation costs. What is the MOST important
consideration when arranging an interpreter for the intake session?

128. Which of the following does NOT contribute to increased engagement in treatment
for children?

129. While reviewing a staff member's case documentation, a social work supervisor
notices that counseling sessions with a 17 -year -old client, Sta cey, are occurring more
frequently and lasting longer than those of other clients. When questioned, the
supervisee explains, “Stacey reminds me of myself at that age, and I enjoy talking
with her. I feel like I’m giving her the support I wish I had at 17.” To gain deeper
insight into the session length and frequency, what would be the MOST useful follow -
up question for the supervisor to ask?

130. When performing a comprehensive geriatric evaluation, which factor is the MOST
critical in assessing an older adult’s overall functional ability?

131. At all stages of social work practice, supervision plays a critical role in achieving
which of the following objectives?

132. A ma le social worker is assigned a new client, who is transferred from a female
coworker. During the transfer session, the client expresses feeling uneasy around
men who are physically larger than him. The client is elderly and has a slim build,
while the male social worker is taller and more robust. What is the most appropriate
course of action for the male social worker?

133. Which of the following outcomes of personal disclosure by a social worker would
NOT align with best practices in the profession?

134. Which factor is MOST likely to compromise a social worker’s professional
objectivity in their relationship with a client?

135. Which of the following BEST describes the role of the social worker in solution -
focused brief therapy (SFBT)?

136. The following definition MOST accurately describes interventions based on which
theoret ical framework?
"The client’s past experiences are examined to understand and influence their
current emotions and behaviors."

137. An elderly man has lived in a low -income housing complex for a decade. Recently,
his landlord issued a rent increase with less than 30 days’ notice and has refused to
repair the broken heating system. The tenant canno t afford both his new rent and his
medications. What is the BEST course of action?

138. How is a social work case presentation likely to differ when using solution -focused
therapy compared to narrative therapy?

139. A 72 -year -old widow seeks support from a soc ial worker due to ongoing grief
following the unexpected death of her spouse from a heart attack a year ago. The
loss was a profound shock, as there was no prior indication of heart disease. Since
then, she has struggled to recover emotionally, experiencin g frequent thoughts about
her husband, persistent sadness, and emotional detachment from others. She often
describes feeling emotionally numb or overwhelmed and has expressed occasional
thoughts of wanting to reunite with her husband, though without active suicidal
intent. She perceives life as lacking meaning without him. What would be the MOST
suitable initial diagnosis?

140. Which aspect of social work practice has the GREATEST influence on a social worker’s
ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries?

141. Rose struggles with frustration in school, frequently m akes loud noises in public,
and has difficulty understanding others, often appearing rude. She expresses feelings
of loneliness and confusion but is able to articulate these emotions fluently to a
trusted teacher. Even her family members struggle to unders tand her. Although her
reading level is below that of her peers, her IQ is significantly above average. She is
hesitant about attending college, believing it would be too challenging. What is the
MOST likely explanation for Rose’s difficulties?

142. Which of the following health conditions is NOT disproportionately prevalent
among individuals who are incarcerated?

143. A social worker at a mental health facility is working with a teenage client who has
displayed aggressive behavior. During a family session, the adolescent becomes upset
and flips a chair over. What is the social worker’s FIRST course of action?

144. A dualistic perspective that separates the mind and body is one of the primary
barriers to treatment acceptance for individuals diagnosed with:

145. A client is describing a distressing event but suddenly changes the subject. The social
worker observes that the client became more agitated just before shifting topics,
avoids responding when prompted to discuss the upsetting experience, and
continues di scussing a different subject. From a psychoanalytic perspective, this
behavior is best understood as:

146. A teenage client has been referred for mental health support. To gain insight into
the client’s background before the initial s ession, the social worker should:

147. A social worker is asked to evaluate a 15 -year -old girl for concerns related to body
image and eating habits. During the conversation, the girl expresses an intense desire
to lose weight, believing this will make her more attractive and socially accepted.
While not overweight, she is not particularly thin either. Her parents have recently
noticed a significant increase in grocery expenses, with large quantities of snack
foods disappearing. The mother over heard her daughter vomiting in the bathroom
and confronted her, discovering that she has been engaging in binge eating followed
by self -induced vomiting for several months. The girl estimates that she purges
approximately ten times per week and has experie nced some moderate weight loss.
What is the most appropriate diagnosis?

148. A single -system research design focuses on observing a single client or system (n =
1) over time, including periods before, during, and after an intervention. Because of
its adaptability and ability to track changes over time, this research approach is
commonly utilized by professionals to assess:

149. A client reports experiencing an increase in racing thoughts, a decreased need for
sleep, and heightened motivation to accomplish short -term goals over the past week
and a half. The client denies any drug or alcohol use. Based on the likely diagnosis,
which medication would be most effective in stabilizing their mood?

150. During an initial assessment, a social worker learns that a new client has
maintained sobriety from drug use for the past ten years. The client has sought
support for managing intense anxiety, which has developed over the past four
months. To gain insight into the connection between the client’s history of substance
use and their current anxiety symptoms, as well as to support their continued
sobriety, what is the MOST important follow -up question?

151. A therapist receives a subpoena requesting all assessments and progress notes for
a client. The therapist is concerned that the information contained in the documents
is sensitive and could impact the client’s therapeutic progress. What is the BEST
course of action?

152. A research study is evaluating the effectiveness of a newly developed
antidepressant. Participants in the "control" group receive a placebo, while those in
the "intervention" group take the new medication. What would the null hypothesis
in this study state?

153. During a routine supervision session, a supervisor informs a social worker about a
case transfer. This particular case was previously handled by the supervisor before
receiving a promotion. The supervisor describes the case in a casual manner,
mentioning that it was an easy way to accumulate billable hours because
conversations with the family were lengthy and effortless. Upon reviewing past case
notes and service authorizations, the social worker notices an unusually high number
of service approvals that do not seem justified based on the family's actual needs.
What would be the most appropriate response from the social worker?

154. How do the social work values of service and social justice differ?

155. A junior -year college student has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and
has been referred to the campus social worker for ongoing support. She is struggling
to keep up with academic d emands and maintain positive relationships with her
housemates. She believes that because she has started taking medication, she should
quickly return to her "normal" level of functioning. What should the social worker
do?

156. A five -year -old child recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has been
enrolled in intellectual and developmental disability services through a local mental
health agency. During the intake process, the child ’s father expresses distress over
the loss of a “typical” future for his son and shares that he has been experiencing
significant anxiety since the diagnosis. The social worker observes that the father is
struggling to accept the situation. What type of su pport would be MOST appropriate
for him?

157. A female client begins therapy with a social worker, seeking help for generalized
anxiety disorder. She experiences intense fear of someone breaking into her home at
night but hesitates, saying, “Actually, this sounds ridiculous. Never mind.” Which
therapeutic approach can the social worker use to foster trust and authenticity in the
therapeutic relationship?

158. A therapist receives a referral from child protective services to work with a court -
mandated client. During the first two sessions, the client remains silent. The therapist
wants to reduce the power imbalance in the therapeuti c relationship. Which of the
following actions would NOT contribute to achieving this goal?

159. What is the primary objecti ve of family life education programs?

160. A social worker receives a phone call from an upset client who begins using
profanity. How should the social worker handle the situation?

161. Which approach is conside red the MOST effective treatment for obsessive -
compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults?

162. A rural social services agency is applying for grant funding to organize monthly health
and wellness events. Nurses from a local hospital will provide health screenings and
interactive presentations on preventive healthcare topics. What is t he primary role of
a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the grant application process?

163. When applying cognitive -based strategies to prevent substance use, what is the
most essential focus for the client?

164. A social work supervisor is informed by the program’s administrative assistant that
client intake forms completed by staff are often missing essential details. This issue is
delaying bil ling submissions and creating an administrative backlog. What is the BEST
initial strategy to address this problem?

165. When working with a client experiencing high levels of stress, what should be the
social worker’s initial priority?

166. Which of the following is the most comprehensive source of information on a
specific topic?

167. A newborn who was born prematurely has been receiving hospital care and is now
ready for discharge. The hospital social worker meets with the infant’s parents to
discuss their transition home. Two weeks later, during a follow -up call, the parents
report difficulties with their baby’s sleep patterns and frequent crying. The
pediatrician has ruled out any medical concerns. How can the hospital social worker
assist at this stage?

168. A newly hired social worker is providing telehealth services for a local community
agency. The agency has equipped the social worker with a laptop, a compu ter mouse,
and an internet hotspot, allowing them to work remotely. The social worker
frequently chooses to work from a local coffee shop. One day, while working at the
café, the social worker briefly leaves their laptop unattended to grab a napkin. Before
leaving, they minimize the electronic medical system window but do not log out.
Upon returning, they notice that a different client’s chart is open on the screen than
the one they were previously working on. What should the social worker do?

169. A social worker is assisting an adult client experiencing gender dysphoria who has
requested a referral for gende r-affirming surgery. Which of the following is NOT a
mandatory step in the referral process?

170. Which statement about the task -centere d practice model is FALSE?