LMSW LMSW Treatment and Intervention Planning Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A social worker is developing a treatment plan for a client with co-occurring major depression and alcohol use disorder. Which approach is most consistent with evidence-based practice?
- Treat the depression first before addressing substance use
- Address the alcohol use disorder first since it is causing the depression
- Use an integrated treatment approach that addresses both disorders simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Refer the client to separate providers for each diagnosis
Correct answer: Use an integrated treatment approach that addresses both disorders simultaneously
Integrated dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both co-occurring disorders simultaneously produces better outcomes than sequential or parallel treatment approaches.
Question 2: When using motivational interviewing in treatment planning, which technique best elicits a client's own arguments for change?
- Confronting the client about the consequences of their behavior
- Using open-ended questions and reflective listening to explore ambivalence (Correct answer)
- Providing psychoeducation about the benefits of treatment
- Setting firm treatment goals on the client's behalf
Correct answer: Using open-ended questions and reflective listening to explore ambivalence
Motivational interviewing uses open-ended questions and reflective listening to help clients voice their own reasons for change, strengthening intrinsic motivation.
Question 3: A social worker is creating a safety plan with a client who has expressed passive suicidal ideation. Which element is MOST critical to include?
- A list of the client's psychiatric diagnoses
- Crisis hotline numbers and emergency contacts the client agrees to call (Correct answer)
- A schedule of upcoming therapy appointments
- Documentation of the client's medication regimen
Correct answer: Crisis hotline numbers and emergency contacts the client agrees to call
A safety plan must include specific, agreed-upon crisis resources and contacts that the client commits to using when warning signs escalate.
Question 4: Which theoretical framework guides a treatment plan that focuses on identifying and modifying a client's distorted automatic thoughts?
- Psychodynamic theory
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (Correct answer)
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Narrative therapy
Correct answer: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy specifically targets automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions as central mechanisms of change in treatment planning.
Question 5: A social worker is planning services for an older adult client who is resistant to moving to an assisted living facility. Which intervention best honors client self-determination?
- Contact the client's adult children to arrange the move without the client's knowledge
- Develop a home safety plan with supportive services that allows the client to remain at home (Correct answer)
- Inform the client that staying home is no longer an option due to safety risks
- Document the client's resistance and close the case
Correct answer: Develop a home safety plan with supportive services that allows the client to remain at home
Developing a home safety plan with community supports respects the client's right to self-determination while addressing legitimate safety concerns.
Question 6: During a treatment planning session, a client states, 'I don't think therapy will help me.' According to stages-of-change theory, this client is most likely in which stage?
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Precontemplation (Correct answer)
- Maintenance
Correct answer: Precontemplation
Precontemplation is characterized by a lack of awareness or desire to change, often expressed as skepticism about the need for or benefit of treatment.
LMSW LMSW Treatment and Intervention Planning Questions and Answers 2
A social worker is developing a treatment plan for a client with co-occurring major depression and alcohol use disorder.
Which approach is most consistent with evidence-based practice?