OLERE Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An Oklahoma counselor's supervisee develops a close personal friendship with a client outside of sessions. When the counselor learns of this situation, the supervisor's obligation is to:

Address the dual relationship immediately through supervision and require the supervisee to take corrective action (Correct answer)
Maintain confidentiality about the supervisee's conduct unless harm occurs
Report the supervisee to the licensing board immediately without attempting to resolve it in supervision
Allow the supervisee to continue if the client consents to the friendship

Correct answer: Address the dual relationship immediately through supervision and require the supervisee to take corrective action

Supervisors have a responsibility to address ethical violations by supervisees. The immediate response is to address the dual relationship in supervision, require corrective action, and document the supervision discussion.

Question 2: Are professionals required to report suspected abuse of vulnerable adults in Oklahoma?

No, it only applies to children
Only if the adult is over 80 years old
Only in cases of financial exploitation
Yes, mandatory reporting also applies to the abuse of vulnerable adults (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, mandatory reporting also applies to the abuse of vulnerable adults

Oklahoma law requires reporting suspected abuse of vulnerable adults as well as children.

Question 3: Under Oklahoma LPC ethical standards, information about fees and billing practices must be disclosed to clients:

After the first full month of treatment when trust is established
At the end of each calendar year during an annual financial review
Only when the client files a formal complaint about a bill
At the outset of the counseling relationship, before services are rendered (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At the outset of the counseling relationship, before services are rendered

Ethical practice requires that clients be fully informed about fees, billing practices, and financial obligations before counseling services begin.

Question 4: An Oklahoma LPC is supervising an LPC-Candidate who requests guidance on prescribing medication for a client. The supervisor's response should be:

Advise the supervisee to consult with a psychiatrist informally rather than referring
Provide guidance because supervisors are responsible for all aspects of the supervisee's practice
Clarify that prescribing medication is not within the LPC or LPC-Candidate scope of practice and address the client's needs through appropriate referral (Correct answer)
Recommend the supervisee take a pharmacology course to expand their competence

Correct answer: Clarify that prescribing medication is not within the LPC or LPC-Candidate scope of practice and address the client's needs through appropriate referral

Prescribing medication is unambiguously outside the LPC scope of practice in Oklahoma. The supervisor must clarify this boundary and help the supervisee address the client's needs through an appropriate referral to a prescribing provider.

Question 5: What should a mandatory reporter do if they are unsure whether a situation qualifies as abuse or neglect?

Discuss it with a colleague and make a collective decision
Wait until they have more evidence
Ignore the situation
Report the situation to DHS or law enforcement for further investigation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report the situation to DHS or law enforcement for further investigation

If unsure, it is better to report the situation so professionals can investigate further.

Question 6: Oklahoma's licensing board receives a complaint that an LPC violated HIPAA by sharing a client's records without consent. The board's primary focus in investigating this complaint would be:

Determining whether Oklahoma's professional confidentiality and ethics rules were violated (Correct answer)
Waiting for the federal HIPAA investigation to conclude before acting
Referring the matter to federal authorities only, since HIPAA is federal law
Closing the case because HIPAA violations are outside the board's jurisdiction

Correct answer: Determining whether Oklahoma's professional confidentiality and ethics rules were violated

Even though HIPAA is a federal law, Oklahoma's licensing board has jurisdiction over violations of the state's professional conduct and confidentiality rules. A HIPAA violation often also violates state professional ethics standards.

Question 7: Can an Oklahoma LPC conduct psychological testing and provide psychological test interpretations?

Yes, as long as the LPC has taken a graduate course in testing
Limited because LPCs may administer certain counseling assessments but comprehensive psychological testing is within the psychologist's scope (Correct answer)
No because all assessment is prohibited for LPCs
Yes, all mental health testing is within the LPC scope of practice

Correct answer: Limited because LPCs may administer certain counseling assessments but comprehensive psychological testing is within the psychologist's scope

While Oklahoma LPCs can administer counseling-related assessments, formal psychological testing such as comprehensive neuropsychological assessments or IQ testing is primarily within the scope of practice of licensed psychologists.

Question 8: An Oklahoma counselor discovers mid-treatment that they lack the competence to adequately treat a client's specific presenting problem. The counselor's ethical obligation is to:

Disclose the limitation to the client and arrange for appropriate referral or consultation (Correct answer)
Continue for the remainder of the contracted treatment period
Continue treatment while studying the issue independently
Transfer the client without disclosure to avoid embarrassment

Correct answer: Disclose the limitation to the client and arrange for appropriate referral or consultation

Counselor competence is a core ethical obligation. If a counselor discovers a competence limitation affecting a client's care, they must disclose this to the client and make appropriate arrangements such as referral, consultation, or obtaining additional training.

Question 9: An Oklahoma LPC is asked by a colleague to serve as a reference for their license application, but has concerns about the colleague's professional conduct. The counselor should:

Provide the reference but omit the concerns
Inform the licensing board of the concerns without telling the colleague
Decline to serve as a reference if they cannot provide an honest, positive assessment (Correct answer)
Provide a positive reference to support a colleague

Correct answer: Decline to serve as a reference if they cannot provide an honest, positive assessment

Providing a misleading or false reference violates professional ethics. If the counselor cannot provide an honest and positive assessment, the ethical course is to decline to serve as a reference.

Question 10: An LPCS in Oklahoma accepts too many supervisees and is unable to provide adequate oversight to all of them. This situation most directly raises concerns about:

The supervisees' competence, not the supervisor's conduct
Only a billing concern with the licensing board
The supervisor's ethical obligation of competence and adequate supervisory oversight (Correct answer)
The supervisees' obligation to seek additional supervision elsewhere

Correct answer: The supervisor's ethical obligation of competence and adequate supervisory oversight

A supervisor who takes on more supervisees than they can adequately oversee is violating their ethical obligation to provide quality supervision. This puts clients and supervisees at risk and reflects a supervisor competence issue.

Question 11: How often must licensed professionals in Oklahoma renew their licenses?

Annually (Correct answer)
Every ten years
Every two years
Every five years

Correct answer: Annually

The renewal period for professional licenses varies by profession, but many require annual renewal to ensure continued compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Question 12: A counselor is closing their private practice. What obligation does the counselor have regarding client records?

Records become the property of the clients upon practice closure
Records may be destroyed immediately since the practice is closing
Records must be stored securely, clients must be notified, and proper transfer arrangements must be made (Correct answer)
Records should be donated to a local mental health agency for future use

Correct answer: Records must be stored securely, clients must be notified, and proper transfer arrangements must be made

When closing a practice, counselors have an ethical and legal obligation to store records securely for the required retention period, notify clients of the closure and how to access their records, and arrange for appropriate transfer or continued storage.

Question 13: An Oklahoma LPC is convicted of a felony. How does this affect their professional license?

The board must investigate and may take disciplinary action up to and including revocation (Correct answer)
It has no automatic effect on the license
It may trigger a mandatory license revocation without a hearing
The license is automatically suspended pending appeal of the conviction

Correct answer: The board must investigate and may take disciplinary action up to and including revocation

A felony conviction triggers a board investigation that can result in disciplinary action up to license revocation. The specific action depends on the nature of the felony, the counselor's practice, and other factors reviewed by the board.

Question 14: A counselor in Oklahoma works with a client who uses a form of alternative healing practice in addition to counseling. The counselor's ethically appropriate response is to:

Respect the client's autonomy while ensuring informed consent covers potential interactions (Correct answer)
Ignore the alternative practice as it is outside the counselor's scope
Refer the client to a counselor who is trained in that alternative practice
Insist the client stop the alternative practice as a condition of counseling

Correct answer: Respect the client's autonomy while ensuring informed consent covers potential interactions

Client autonomy means clients have the right to engage in alternative healing practices. The counselor should respect this choice while ensuring the client is informed about any potential interactions relevant to their mental health treatment.

Question 15: In Oklahoma, can a mandatory reporter remain anonymous when making a report?

No, reporters must always provide their name
Only if the abuse is physical
Only if the reporter is a minor
Yes, but it may limit the ability to follow up on the report (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, but it may limit the ability to follow up on the report

Reporters can choose to remain anonymous, but doing so may limit the authorities' ability to follow up.

Question 16: Under Oklahoma's duty to protect obligations, a counselor's duty is triggered when a client makes a threat that is:

Any expression of anger toward a named individual
Made about a public figure or celebrity
Specific and serious against an identifiable person or persons (Correct answer)
Vague and expresses general hostility toward others

Correct answer: Specific and serious against an identifiable person or persons

Oklahoma's duty to protect applies when a client makes a credible, specific threat of serious physical harm against an identifiable third party. Vague or general expressions of hostility do not trigger the duty.

Question 17: An LPC-Candidate in Oklahoma receives feedback from their LPCS supervisor that they have a clinical blind spot regarding a specific type of client. The ethically appropriate response from the supervisee is to:

Inform the supervisor that addressing the issue is outside the scope of supervision
Avoid seeing clients who might trigger the identified blind spot
Disagree with the assessment and seek a second supervisor's opinion immediately
Receive the feedback openly, reflect on it, and work with the supervisor to address the developmental concern (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Receive the feedback openly, reflect on it, and work with the supervisor to address the developmental concern

Supervision feedback including identification of blind spots is a core component of professional development. Supervisees should receive feedback openly and work collaboratively with the supervisor to address developmental concerns.

Question 18: An Oklahoma LPC working with a Native American client should primarily:

Refer the client to a Native American counselor to ensure cultural matching
Seek to understand the client's unique cultural background and incorporate culturally responsive practices (Correct answer)
Apply standard Western therapeutic approaches since all clients have equal legal rights
Avoid discussing cultural identity to prevent reinforcing stereotypes

Correct answer: Seek to understand the client's unique cultural background and incorporate culturally responsive practices

Culturally responsive practice requires counselors to understand each client's unique cultural context and adapt interventions accordingly, not assume uniformity.

Question 19: When a counselor's religious or cultural values conflict with a client's lifestyle, the counselor should primarily:

Prioritize the client's wellbeing and bracket personal values, seeking supervision if needed (Correct answer)
Avoid the conflict by limiting discussion of the client's lifestyle
Immediately refer the client to another counselor with matching values
Disclose personal values to the client to establish transparency

Correct answer: Prioritize the client's wellbeing and bracket personal values, seeking supervision if needed

Counselors are ethically obligated to prioritize client wellbeing and manage value conflicts through supervision and bracketing rather than abandoning or limiting services.

Question 20: Under Oklahoma statute, a counselor may breach confidentiality to prevent harm when:

A third party requests clinical information about the client
There is a credible risk of imminent serious harm to self or others (Correct answer)
The client has missed three or more consecutive appointments
A client has been diagnosed with any anxiety disorder

Correct answer: There is a credible risk of imminent serious harm to self or others

Oklahoma law permits a confidentiality breach to prevent imminent serious harm, which is a recognized exception to the general rule of confidentiality.

Question 21: What is one ethical responsibility of licensed professionals in Oklahoma?

Maximizing profits at any cost
Ignoring continuing education requirements
Advertising services without restrictions
Maintaining client confidentiality (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining client confidentiality

Licensed professionals have an ethical responsibility to maintain client confidentiality and protect sensitive information.

Question 22: A disciplinary action against an Oklahoma LPC results in license probation. During probation, the counselor is typically required to:

Comply with specified conditions such as supervision or additional training (Correct answer)
Immediately cease all counseling practice
Surrender their license pending appeal
Practice only in group or agency settings, not independently

Correct answer: Comply with specified conditions such as supervision or additional training

Probation typically allows a counselor to continue practicing while complying with board-specified conditions such as additional supervision, ethics training, practice restrictions, or regular reporting to the board.

Question 23: An Oklahoma counselor's practice is hit by a cyberattack that results in a breach of electronic client records. Under HIPAA, the counselor must:

Only notify clients who specifically request information about the breach
Wait to assess the full damage before deciding whether notification is required
Notify affected clients, HHS, and potentially the media within required timeframes (Correct answer)
Keep the breach confidential to protect clients from embarrassment

Correct answer: Notify affected clients, HHS, and potentially the media within required timeframes

HIPAA's Breach Notification Rule requires covered entities to notify affected individuals, HHS, and for large breaches prominent media outlets within specified timeframes following a breach of unsecured protected health information.

Question 24: Which of the following activities falls squarely within the defined scope of practice for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oklahoma, as outlined by state law?

Prescribing psychotropic medications under the supervision of a physician.
Diagnosing mental and emotional disorders for the purpose of establishing treatment goals. (Correct answer)
Representing a client in a child custody hearing as a legal advocate.
Providing financial investment advice as part of a holistic wellness plan.

Correct answer: Diagnosing mental and emotional disorders for the purpose of establishing treatment goals.

The Oklahoma Licensed Professional Counselors Act and its associated rules explicitly state that the scope of practice includes diagnosing mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders to establish treatment goals and objectives. Prescribing medication, acting as a legal advocate, and providing financial advice are outside the legally defined scope of practice for an LPC.

Question 25: A counselor is using a new evidence-based treatment approach with a client. The ethical obligation of informed consent requires the counselor to:

Use the technique without disclosure to avoid client resistance
Get supervisor approval before explaining the approach to the client
Obtain consent only if the technique involves physical contact
Explain the technique, its benefits, limitations, and any alternatives (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Explain the technique, its benefits, limitations, and any alternatives

Informed consent for treatment includes explaining the nature of proposed techniques, their theoretical basis, benefits, potential risks, and alternatives, allowing clients to make informed decisions about their own care.

Question 26: An LPC supervisor is renewing their Oklahoma license. In addition to the standard renewal requirements for all LPCs, what specific continuing education must they complete to maintain their approved supervisor status?

Proof of supervising at least two LPC candidates in the previous year.
3 hours of continuing education specifically in counseling supervision. (Correct answer)
A 6-hour workshop on advanced diagnostic skills.
An additional 10 hours of general continuing education.

Correct answer: 3 hours of continuing education specifically in counseling supervision.

To maintain status as an LPC-approved supervisor in Oklahoma, the licensee must complete three (3) hours of continuing education in counseling supervision during each renewal period, in addition to the standard 20 hours required for LPC licensure renewal.

Question 27: A client discloses past child abuse that occurred 15 years ago and the alleged abuser is deceased. An Oklahoma counselor's mandatory reporting duty in this situation is:

Triggered only if the client requests that a report be made
Still required because all child abuse must be reported
Triggered only if other children may currently be at risk (Correct answer)
Not triggered because the victim is now an adult and the abuser is deceased

Correct answer: Triggered only if other children may currently be at risk

Mandatory reporting is focused on protecting children who may currently be at risk. If the abuse is historical, the victim is now an adult, and the abuser is deceased with no risk to current children, a report is generally not required.

Question 28: A licensed LPC in Oklahoma has a client who is temporarily relocating to New Mexico for four months for a work assignment and wishes to continue weekly therapy via video conference. What is the LPC's primary legal and ethical obligation in this situation?

Inform the Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health of the client's temporary relocation.
Have the client sign a waiver acknowledging they are receiving services from an out-of-state provider.
Continue therapy as usual since the therapeutic relationship was established in Oklahoma.
Verify and comply with New Mexico's laws and licensure requirements regarding the provision of telehealth services into that state. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Verify and comply with New Mexico's laws and licensure requirements regarding the provision of telehealth services into that state.

The practice of counseling is regulated at the state level, and licensure is generally required in the state where the client is physically located at the time of service. The Oklahoma LPC must determine if providing services to a client in New Mexico constitutes practicing counseling in New Mexico and must comply with that state's specific laws, which may require licensure or a temporary permit. Simply having an established relationship in Oklahoma does not override the other state's regulations.

Question 29: An Oklahoma LPC ethically terminates services with a client who has become dangerous and threatening to the counselor. The counselor's termination process should include:

Informing the client's family of the reason for termination
Immediate cessation of services with no further contact
Proper documentation, notification, and provision of referral resources so the client is not abandoned (Correct answer)
Waiting until the danger threat has subsided before discussing termination

Correct answer: Proper documentation, notification, and provision of referral resources so the client is not abandoned

Even when terminating with a dangerous client, the counselor must follow ethical termination procedures including documentation, proper notification to the client, and providing referrals to ensure the client is not abandoned.

Question 30: A counselor becomes romantically attracted to a current client. The ethical and legal response is to:

Terminate the counseling relationship immediately and begin a romantic relationship
Pursue the relationship because attraction is natural and uncontrollable
Seek consultation and supervision to manage the feelings and refer if necessary (Correct answer)
Disclose the attraction to the client to maintain transparency

Correct answer: Seek consultation and supervision to manage the feelings and refer if necessary

When a counselor experiences attraction to a client, the ethical response is to seek consultation and supervision to manage the feelings professionally. If the feelings cannot be managed without affecting care, referral may be necessary.

Question 31: An attorney in Tulsa learns confidential information from a client indicating the client's intent to commit a future crime that is reasonably certain to result in substantial bodily harm to another person. According to the ORPC, the attorney's professional responsibility is to:

Reveal the information to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to prevent the harm. (Correct answer)
Maintain absolute confidentiality as the information is privileged.
Disclose the information to the potential victim only if the client consents.
Immediately withdraw from the representation without disclosing the information to anyone.

Correct answer: Reveal the information to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to prevent the harm.

Rule 1.6(b)(1) of the ORPC permits a lawyer to reveal confidential information to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm. This is a specific exception to the general duty of confidentiality. The lawyer is permitted, but not required, to make this disclosure.

Question 32: When documenting clinical supervision sessions in Oklahoma, the LPCS should include:

A verbatim transcript of the supervision session
Only the date and duration of the supervision session
Date, duration, topics discussed, competencies addressed, and any concerns or recommendations (Correct answer)
Only documentation of any ethical concerns raised

Correct answer: Date, duration, topics discussed, competencies addressed, and any concerns or recommendations

Comprehensive supervision documentation should include date, duration, the cases and topics discussed, competency areas addressed, and any recommendations or concerns raised. This documentation protects both the supervisor and supervisee.

Question 33: Which of the following forms of solicitation is generally prohibited for an Oklahoma lawyer seeking pecuniary gain under the Rules of Professional Conduct?

Sending a truthful, non-deceptive direct mail advertisement to a prospective client.
Contacting a former client by telephone to offer services for a new legal matter.
Placing a television advertisement that includes client testimonials with appropriate disclaimers.
Making an in-person, unsolicited offer of employment to a potential client at an accident scene. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Making an in-person, unsolicited offer of employment to a potential client at an accident scene.

Rule 7.3(a) of the ORPC prohibits a lawyer from soliciting professional employment by in-person, live telephone, or real-time electronic contact when a significant motive is the lawyer's pecuniary gain, unless the person contacted is another lawyer, a family member, or has a prior professional relationship. Soliciting at an accident scene falls squarely within this prohibition.

Question 34: An Oklahoma LPC who lives in a rural area is asked to provide counseling to a neighbor with whom they have a friendly but non-intimate relationship. The counselor should:

Immediately refuse regardless of the circumstances
Accept because rural areas have unique access challenges that always justify dual relationships
Carefully evaluate the potential risks and benefits and use professional judgment, documenting the decision (Correct answer)
Refer to any available provider including one located far away without evaluation

Correct answer: Carefully evaluate the potential risks and benefits and use professional judgment, documenting the decision

Rural practice often involves unavoidable dual relationships. The counselor should carefully evaluate potential risks and benefits, consider the client's access to other services, consult with a supervisor if needed, and document their professional judgment.

Question 35: A client in Oklahoma informs their psychologist that they have a specific plan and the means to cause serious bodily harm to a reasonably identifiable person. To meet the 'duty to protect' requirements under Oklahoma law, which of the following actions would be considered a reasonable precaution?

Documenting the threat in the client's file and scheduling a follow-up appointment.
Telling the client that their plan is unethical and exploring its origins.
Agreeing to keep the threat confidential if the client promises not to act on it.
Making reasonable efforts to notify the potential victim and/or a law enforcement agency. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Making reasonable efforts to notify the potential victim and/or a law enforcement agency.

Oklahoma Statute §59-1376 outlines the duty to protect when a patient communicates an explicit threat to a reasonably identified person. A psychologist is deemed to have taken reasonable precautions if they make reasonable efforts to communicate the threat to the potential victim, notify a law enforcement agency, or take steps to hospitalize the patient.

Question 36: A client tells their counselor in confidence that they were abused as a child by a neighbor who now works at an elementary school. The counselor should:

Consult with the client before deciding whether to report
Report to DHS or law enforcement because the abuser may have ongoing access to children (Correct answer)
Report only to the school district, not to DHS
Maintain confidentiality because the client is an adult sharing past history

Correct answer: Report to DHS or law enforcement because the abuser may have ongoing access to children

When a known or suspected abuser currently has access to children, the mandatory reporting duty is triggered regardless of whether the victim is now an adult. The focus is on protecting current potential victims.

Question 37: An approved LPC Supervisor in Oklahoma begins to develop a close personal friendship with one of their LPC Candidates, including frequent social outings and sharing intimate personal details. According to the OAC, this relationship is problematic primarily because it:

Is a prohibited dual relationship that can impair professional judgment and increase the risk of exploitation. (Correct answer)
Is only allowed if the supervisee is paying for their own supervision.
Prevents the supervisor from taking on any other supervisees.
Must be reported to the on-site supervisor.

Correct answer: Is a prohibited dual relationship that can impair professional judgment and increase the risk of exploitation.

OAC 86:10-3-4.1 states that LPCs shall avoid dual relationships with supervisees that impair professional judgment or increase the risk of exploitation, providing 'close personal relationships' as a specific example. The inherent power differential in the supervisory relationship makes such friendships ethically hazardous, as the supervisor's objectivity can be compromised and the supervisee may feel unable to be fully transparent for fear of damaging the friendship.

Question 38: An Oklahoma LPC's client mentions they have been experiencing physical symptoms that may be related to their mental health. The LPC's most appropriate response is to:

Recommend the client see their primary care physician while continuing counseling for the psychological aspects (Correct answer)
Treat the physical symptoms as part of the counseling relationship
Diagnose the physical symptoms based on the client's description
Refer the client to a psychiatrist for all future care

Correct answer: Recommend the client see their primary care physician while continuing counseling for the psychological aspects

Physical symptoms are outside an LPC's scope of practice. The counselor should recommend the client consult their physician for the physical symptoms while continuing to address the psychological components within the counseling relationship.

Question 39: An individual is working under an approved supervision plan to become an LPC in Oklahoma. This individual is referred to as an LPC Candidate. How must this individual represent their professional title to clients and the public?

Counselor-in-Training
LPC Candidate (Correct answer)
LPC Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor

Correct answer: LPC Candidate

Oklahoma rules are specific about the use of titles. An individual under supervision for licensure is designated as an 'LPC Candidate' and must use this title. They are explicitly prohibited from using the title 'Licensed Professional Counselor' or 'LPC' until they are fully licensed, to avoid misleading the public about their credential status.

Question 40: A counselor who assumes a client's problems are caused primarily by their racial or ethnic background is demonstrating:

Ecological systems thinking
Cultural stereotyping and bias (Correct answer)
Appropriate case conceptualization
Cultural sensitivity

Correct answer: Cultural stereotyping and bias

Attributing a client's problems primarily to their racial or ethnic background reflects cultural stereotyping and represents a significant ethical and clinical error.

Question 41: An Oklahoma LPC wants to use a mobile app to communicate with clients between sessions. The primary consideration before implementing this is:

Whether the app has a five-star rating in the app store
Whether the app is free for clients to download
Whether clients prefer texting to phone calls
Whether the app is HIPAA-compliant and whether its use is clinically appropriate for each client (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Whether the app is HIPAA-compliant and whether its use is clinically appropriate for each client

Between-session communication technology must be HIPAA-compliant to protect client information, and its clinical appropriateness must be evaluated for each client, as not all clients benefit from increased accessibility.

Question 42: An Oklahoma LPC who has completed advanced training in EMDR wishes to begin using this technique with trauma clients. This is:

Permitted only with board approval for each new technique
Not permitted because EMDR is outside the LPC scope of practice
Appropriate because the LPC has obtained the required training for this evidence-based technique (Correct answer)
Appropriate only if the LPC also obtains a trauma counseling certification

Correct answer: Appropriate because the LPC has obtained the required training for this evidence-based technique

Evidence-based techniques such as EMDR fall within the LPC scope of practice when the counselor has obtained the appropriate training. The scope of practice is defined by the counselor's competence, not by a specific list of approved techniques.

Question 43: An LPC's client, a skilled electrician experiencing financial difficulties, offers to rewire the LPC's new office in exchange for four counseling sessions. According to Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 86:10-3-3.1 regarding bartering, under which condition might this be permissible?

If the services are for a pre-existing condition and not for a new diagnosis.
If the LPC discloses the bartering arrangement to the Board in their semi-annual report.
If the arrangement is not exploitative, a written contract is created, it is an accepted community practice, and the client insists on it. (Correct answer)
If the fair market value of the electrical work is exactly equal to the cost of the four sessions.

Correct answer: If the arrangement is not exploitative, a written contract is created, it is an accepted community practice, and the client insists on it.

The Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 86:10-3-3.1(b) specifies that LPCs may barter for tangible goods if the relationship is not exploitative, the client requests it, a clear written contract is established, and it's an accepted practice in the community. This question is a slight variation, as the code explicitly prohibits bartering for services rendered by the client, only allowing for tangible goods. However, among the choices provided, the first option contains the core principles (non-exploitation, client request, contract, community practice) that govern the limited allowance of bartering for tangible goods, making it the most correct answer reflecting the spirit and specific requirements of the bartering rule.

Question 44: An Oklahoma LPC is moving to a different state and will no longer practice in Oklahoma. The most appropriate action regarding their Oklahoma license is to:

Allow the license to expire without notifying the board
Notify the board and request inactive status or voluntary surrender of the license (Correct answer)
Keep the license active indefinitely in case they return
Transfer the license to the new state automatically

Correct answer: Notify the board and request inactive status or voluntary surrender of the license

When an LPC stops practicing in Oklahoma, the appropriate professional action is to notify the board and either request inactive status or voluntarily surrender the license.

Question 45: A client of an Oklahoma LPC, who is being treated for a major depressive disorder, calls the LPC between sessions experiencing a crisis. The LPC provides 20 minutes of telephonic support and safety planning. Regarding clinical record keeping, the LPC must:

Send the client a text message summary of the call instead of making a formal record entry.
Wait until the next scheduled session to discuss the call and document it then.
Only document the call if it results in a referral to a higher level of care.
Create a dated and signed progress note detailing the contact, the nature of the crisis, the intervention, and the plan. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Create a dated and signed progress note detailing the contact, the nature of the crisis, the intervention, and the plan.

Oklahoma rules require LPCs to maintain accurate and truthful records necessary for rendering professional services. A crisis call is a significant clinical contact that must be documented. A proper progress note includes the date, duration, content of the contact, interventions provided, and the resulting plan, ensuring the clinical record is complete and accurately reflects the services provided.

Question 46: Under HIPAA's minimum necessary standard, an Oklahoma counselor must:

Allow clients to determine how much information is shared with third parties
Share all available records whenever any legitimate request is made
Disclose only the minimum amount of protected health information necessary to accomplish the intended purpose (Correct answer)
Always share complete records to avoid accusations of withholding information

Correct answer: Disclose only the minimum amount of protected health information necessary to accomplish the intended purpose

HIPAA's minimum necessary standard requires that when disclosing protected health information, providers share only the information that is necessary for the stated purpose, not complete records unless specifically required.

Question 47: When an LPC-Candidate in Oklahoma receives supervision from multiple LPCS supervisors in different settings, how are the hours counted?

Hours from all board-approved LPCS supervisors in qualifying settings count toward the 3,000-hour requirement (Correct answer)
The LPC-Candidate must designate one primary supervisor and the others are unofficial
Hours from multiple supervisors count only if the supervisors collaborate on a joint supervision plan
Only hours from the primary supervisor count; secondary supervisors' hours do not qualify

Correct answer: Hours from all board-approved LPCS supervisors in qualifying settings count toward the 3,000-hour requirement

LPC-Candidates may receive supervision from multiple board-approved LPCS supervisors in different settings, and the hours from each qualifying supervisor can accumulate toward the 3,000-hour total requirement.

Question 48: An Oklahoma LPC is seeing a client via telehealth when the client suddenly discloses active suicidal ideation with intent and a means. The counselor should:

Terminate the telehealth session and ask the client to go to the nearest ER
Obtain the client's physical location and local emergency contacts and activate local emergency services if needed (Correct answer)
Continue the telehealth session and address the crisis with standard therapeutic techniques
Contact the client's emergency contact without disconnecting the telehealth session

Correct answer: Obtain the client's physical location and local emergency contacts and activate local emergency services if needed

Telehealth crisis management requires having the client's physical address and local emergency contact information available before any session. When a telehealth client discloses imminent suicidal risk, the counselor must be able to activate local emergency services using that information.

Question 49: Does Oklahoma law require mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse if the alleged perpetrator is another child?

No, only adults can be reported
Yes, all suspected abuse must be reported regardless of the perpetrator's age (Correct answer)
Only if the perpetrator is a teenager
Only if the perpetrator is over 12 years old

Correct answer: Yes, all suspected abuse must be reported regardless of the perpetrator's age

All suspected abuse must be reported, even if the perpetrator is another child.

Question 50: An Oklahoma LPC who is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) allows their NCC certification to lapse. How does this affect their Oklahoma LPC license?

The counselor must complete additional CE to compensate for the lapsed NCC
The LPC license is automatically suspended until the NCC is reinstated
The LPC license is unaffected and it is a separate state credential maintained independently of NCC certification (Correct answer)
The counselor must notify the board within 30 days of the NCC lapse

Correct answer: The LPC license is unaffected and it is a separate state credential maintained independently of NCC certification

The Oklahoma LPC license and the NCC are independent credentials. Allowing the NCC to lapse does not affect the state license, which has its own renewal requirements administered by the Oklahoma licensing board.

Question 51: When a language barrier exists between an Oklahoma counselor and a client, the most ethically appropriate action is to:

Arrange for a qualified professional interpreter and document accommodations (Correct answer)
Limit services to crisis intervention only
Conduct sessions in writing regardless of client literacy
Use the client's bilingual family member as an interpreter to build rapport

Correct answer: Arrange for a qualified professional interpreter and document accommodations

Using family members as interpreters compromises confidentiality and clinical accuracy; a qualified professional interpreter preserves both ethical and clinical standards.

Question 52: An Oklahoma LPC who disagrees with a licensing board disciplinary decision can appeal to:

The Oklahoma district court in the county where the board is located (Correct answer)
The federal district court as a constitutional matter
There is no right of appeal from board decisions
The Oklahoma Supreme Court directly

Correct answer: The Oklahoma district court in the county where the board is located

Board decisions in Oklahoma are administrative decisions that can be appealed to the district court. Under the Administrative Procedures Act, the appeal is filed in the district court in the county where the board's principal office is located.

Question 53: An Oklahoma LPC obtains extensive post-graduate training and certification in play therapy from a nationally recognized organization. According to Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure rules, how can the LPC advertise this expertise?

Incorporate the title 'Board-Certified Play Therapist' into their official licensure title.
State they have 'extensive training in play therapy' or 'certification in play therapy'. (Correct answer)
Advertise themselves as an 'LPC, Play Therapy Specialist'.
List 'Specialty: Play Therapy' on their business cards and website.

Correct answer: State they have 'extensive training in play therapy' or 'certification in play therapy'.

The Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC 86:10-3-2(d)) and the LPC Act state that LPCs shall not represent themselves as specialists or claim/advertise a counseling specialty unless that specialty designation has been officially established and approved by the Board. Since 'Play Therapy' is not a Board-designated specialty, the LPC can accurately state their training and certification but cannot use the term 'specialist' or 'specialty' in their advertising.

Question 54: When a minor client's parents disagree about whether the child should continue counseling, the counselor's primary obligation is to:

Side with the parent who has legal custody
Terminate services immediately to avoid a conflict
Continue counseling only with both parents' consent
Focus on the child's best interests while respecting legal custody arrangements (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Focus on the child's best interests while respecting legal custody arrangements

The counselor's primary ethical obligation is to the client's welfare. When parental disagreements occur, the counselor should focus on the child's best interests while navigating legal custody arrangements.

Question 55: An Oklahoma LPC's failure to address their own cultural biases in counseling is most directly a violation of which ethical principle?

Nonmaleficence (Correct answer)
Fidelity
Justice
Veracity

Correct answer: Nonmaleficence

Unchecked cultural biases can cause harm to clients, making nonmaleficence—the duty to avoid harm—the most directly implicated ethical principle.

Question 56: A former client contacts an Oklahoma LPC two years after termination asking to begin a personal friendship. The counselor should:

Consult with a peer and then make a joint decision
Agree because the therapeutic relationship ended two years ago
Always refuse all personal contact with former clients without exception
Carefully consider the nature of the previous therapeutic relationship, power dynamics, and potential for harm before proceeding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Carefully consider the nature of the previous therapeutic relationship, power dynamics, and potential for harm before proceeding

Post-termination relationships require careful ethical analysis. The counselor must consider the nature of the therapy, the client's transference, power dynamics, and potential for harm.

Question 57: An LPC receives a formal "Request for Inquiry" (RFI) via certified mail from the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure. What is the LPC's primary professional and legal obligation upon receipt of this notice?

Provide a detailed, sworn written response to the Board within the specified timeframe. (Correct answer)
Surrender their license to the Board until the investigation is complete.
Immediately contact the complainant to attempt an informal resolution.
Seek legal counsel and refuse to communicate directly with the Board.

Correct answer: Provide a detailed, sworn written response to the Board within the specified timeframe.

According to the Oklahoma Administrative Code, upon receiving a Request for Inquiry, a licensee is required to provide a prompt and complete written response to the Board addressing the merits of the complaint. This response is a critical part of the initial investigation phase. Attempting to contact the complainant could be viewed as intimidation, surrendering a license is a drastic step not required at this stage, and while seeking legal counsel is advisable, refusing to respond to the Board is a separate violation.

Question 58: An LPC in Oklahoma is working with a refugee client and notices the client avoids direct eye contact. The most culturally competent response is to:

Document the behavior as a sign of social anxiety and pursue a diagnosis
Confront the client about the lack of eye contact to build trust
Refer the client to a psychiatrist for evaluation
Consider that eye contact norms vary across cultures and explore the client's communication preferences (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Consider that eye contact norms vary across cultures and explore the client's communication preferences

Cultural humility requires exploring the meaning of behaviors within the client's cultural context rather than applying dominant cultural norms as universal standards.

Question 59: A client who signed a general release of information at the start of treatment asks the counselor to stop sharing information with their insurance company. The counselor should:

Terminate services because the insurance company requires authorization
Honor the revocation going forward and note the date of revocation (Correct answer)
Require the client to continue sharing to maintain insurance coverage
Explain that consent, once given, cannot be revoked

Correct answer: Honor the revocation going forward and note the date of revocation

Under HIPAA, clients have the right to revoke their authorization to disclose information at any time. The revocation applies to future disclosures and the counselor must honor it going forward.

Question 60: A lawyer represents two co-defendants in a criminal matter. A conflict of interest arises when one co-defendant is offered a plea deal in exchange for testimony against the other. What must the lawyer do to continue representing both clients under the ORPC?

The lawyer need only inform the judge of the conflict and proceed as the court directs.
The lawyer can continue representing both as long as they believe they can act impartially.
The lawyer can never continue to represent both clients once a conflict arises.
The lawyer must get informed consent, confirmed in writing, from both clients after explaining the risks and alternatives. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The lawyer must get informed consent, confirmed in writing, from both clients after explaining the risks and alternatives.

Under ORPC Rule 1.7, a lawyer may represent clients with a concurrent conflict of interest only if the lawyer reasonably believes they can provide competent and diligent representation to each client, the representation is not prohibited by law, the representation does not involve a claim by one client against another in the same litigation, and each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.

Question 61: Which of the following financial arrangements best aligns with the principles of client welfare and informed consent as defined by the Oklahoma LPC Rules?

Waiting until several sessions have passed to discuss fees, once rapport has been established.
Accepting a valuable piece of jewelry as payment from a client who is unable to pay in cash.
Offering a discount to a client in exchange for the client providing professional services (e.g., accounting) to the LPC.
Clearly explaining all fees, billing practices, and consequences for non-payment in writing prior to starting counseling. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clearly explaining all fees, billing practices, and consequences for non-payment in writing prior to starting counseling.

OAC 310:405-3-3.1(a) requires that LPCs 'shall clearly explain to clients, prior to entering the counseling relationship, all financial arrangements related to professional services including the consequences for non-payment of fees.' Bartering for services is prohibited, and bartering for goods is only allowed under specific, non-exploitative conditions with a written contract. Delaying the discussion of fees violates the principle of informed consent.

Question 62: Which of the following best illustrates an unavoidable dual relationship that an Oklahoma counselor should manage rather than avoid?

A counselor who is the only mental health provider in a small rural community and must serve community members they know socially (Correct answer)
A counselor who employs a current client as their office receptionist
A counselor who begins a business partnership with a current client
A counselor who develops a romantic relationship with a former client

Correct answer: A counselor who is the only mental health provider in a small rural community and must serve community members they know socially

In small rural communities, counselors may know community members socially before they become clients, making some dual relationships unavoidable. These require careful management rather than categorical prohibition.

Question 63: Under the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct concerning communication (Rule 1.4), which of the following is a lawyer required to do?

Promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance requiring the client's informed consent. (Correct answer)
Follow the client's instructions on every tactical decision during a trial.
Withhold upsetting or negative information from the client to avoid causing them distress.
Provide the client with daily updates on the status of their case, regardless of developments.

Correct answer: Promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance requiring the client's informed consent.

ORPC Rule 1.4(a)(1) explicitly requires a lawyer to "promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance with respect to which the client's informed consent...is required." This is a core component of keeping the client reasonably informed and allowing them to participate effectively in the representation.

Question 64: Which of the following social media policies is most consistent with an Oklahoma LPC's duty to maintain professional boundaries and prevent dual relationships?

Allowing clients to send direct messages for scheduling purposes through a public professional social media account.
Posting vague details about challenging cases on a private blog accessible only by other mental health professionals.
Accepting a friend request from a current client on a personal social media profile but restricting their access to posts.
Creating separate professional and personal social media pages and declining all connection requests from current clients on personal accounts. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Creating separate professional and personal social media pages and declining all connection requests from current clients on personal accounts.

Maintaining separate professional and personal social media accounts and not engaging in personal online relationships with current clients is a critical boundary. This practice prevents the blurring of lines between the therapeutic relationship and a personal one, which constitutes a dual relationship and can compromise confidentiality and professional judgment. The ACA Code of Ethics, which Oklahoma's rules align with, supports this separation to protect clients.

Question 65: What is the role of the Oklahoma State Board of Licensure in disciplinary actions?

To conduct investigations and enforce disciplinary actions (Correct answer)
To provide legal representation to professionals
To increase licensure fees
To promote professional associations

Correct answer: To conduct investigations and enforce disciplinary actions

The Oklahoma State Board of Licensure conducts investigations and enforces disciplinary actions against professionals who violate legal and ethical standards.

Question 66: An Oklahoma counselor's license is placed on inactive status. Which of the following is true about inactive status?

The counselor may not practice counseling until the license is reactivated (Correct answer)
Inactive status is automatic after 5 years of non-practice
The counselor may continue to practice counseling on a part-time basis
Inactive status requires no continuing education upon reactivation

Correct answer: The counselor may not practice counseling until the license is reactivated

A counselor with an inactive license in Oklahoma may not practice counseling. Inactive status means the license is not current for practice purposes. The counselor must reactivate the license before resuming practice.

Question 67: An LPC Candidate in Oklahoma works 30 hours in one week at their supervised site. According to the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC), what is the MINIMUM amount of weekly, face-to-face supervision required for this candidate?

90 minutes
60 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 45 minutes

The OAC 86:10-11-5(d) states that weekly, face-to-face supervision must be accrued at a ratio of forty-five (45) minutes for every twenty (20) hours of on-the-job experience. Even though the candidate worked more than 20 hours, the requirement is based on this ratio, making 45 minutes the minimum for that week.

Question 68: A counselor's client discloses suicidal ideation with a specific plan during a session. The counselor's primary obligation under both law and ethics is to:

Call 911 immediately in all cases to ensure safety
Maintain confidentiality and only address the issue within the session
Conduct a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to protect client safety which may override confidentiality (Correct answer)
Document the disclosure and discuss it at the next supervision session

Correct answer: Conduct a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to protect client safety which may override confidentiality

When a client presents with suicidal ideation and a specific plan, the counselor must conduct a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate protective actions. Client safety may override confidentiality, but the response must be proportionate to the assessed level of risk.

Question 69: An Oklahoma LPC who is asked to provide testimony as an expert witness in a court proceeding should:

Accept because any licensed mental health professional can serve as an expert witness
Decline all forensic work because it is outside the LPC's scope of practice
Accept only if the case involves their current or former client
Only accept if they have specific training and supervised experience in forensic assessment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Only accept if they have specific training and supervised experience in forensic assessment

Forensic work including serving as an expert witness requires specialized training. An LPC who lacks forensic training should not accept expert witness roles that exceed their competence.

Question 70: Three years after therapy has terminated, an LPC's former client enrolls in a graduate program and is assigned to a class taught by the LPC. According to Oklahoma's rules on dual relationships, what is the LPC's primary ethical obligation?

Refuse to teach the student and refer them to another professor's class.
Ignore the prior relationship to protect the former client's confidentiality in the academic setting.
Report the situation to the university dean and the Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure.
Acknowledge the prior relationship, discuss potential conflicts, and take steps to ensure objectivity and prevent exploitation. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Acknowledge the prior relationship, discuss potential conflicts, and take steps to ensure objectivity and prevent exploitation.

While OAC 86:10-3-4 prohibits sexual relationships with former clients for five years and entering into close personal or business dealings for five years, other dual relationships can occur. When an unavoidable dual relationship arises, the LPC's responsibility is to manage it ethically. This involves acknowledging the situation, discussing potential issues with the former client (now student), maintaining clear boundaries, and taking all necessary steps to prevent exploitation and ensure professional judgment is not impaired.

Question 71: What is the primary purpose of professional licensure in Oklahoma?

To limit the number of professionals in a field
To generate revenue for the state
To ensure public safety and professional competence (Correct answer)
To increase the cost of professional services

Correct answer: To ensure public safety and professional competence

The primary purpose of professional licensure is to protect the public by ensuring that professionals are competent and adhere to ethical standards.

Question 72: When an Oklahoma LPC provides court-ordered counseling services, the fee arrangement should:

Mirror standard voluntary client fees without any need for additional disclosure
Be disclosed to all relevant parties and structured to avoid conflicts of interest affecting clinical objectivity (Correct answer)
Be exempt from standard ethical fee and disclosure guidelines due to the court-ordered nature
Be set exclusively by the referring court with no input from the counselor

Correct answer: Be disclosed to all relevant parties and structured to avoid conflicts of interest affecting clinical objectivity

Court-ordered services require transparent fee arrangements disclosed to all parties, and the financial structure must not compromise the counselor's clinical independence or objectivity.

Question 73: An LPC in Oklahoma realizes on July 5th that they have forgotten to submit their license renewal materials, which were due on June 30th. What is the most immediate consequence of missing the renewal deadline?

A penalty fee will be added to the standard renewal fee. (Correct answer)
The license is immediately and permanently revoked.
The LPC must retake the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
The LPC is granted an automatic 30-day grace period without penalty.

Correct answer: A penalty fee will be added to the standard renewal fee.

Renewals submitted after the deadline are subject to a late penalty fee. While continuing to practice on an expired license can lead to more severe disciplinary action, the initial consequence of a late renewal is a financial penalty in addition to the standard renewal fee.

Question 74: An Oklahoma LPC receives notice that a formal complaint has been filed against them with the licensing board. The counselor's first recommended action is to:

Immediately surrender their license to avoid further proceedings
Consult with an attorney who specializes in professional licensing matters (Correct answer)
Ignore the notice if they believe the complaint is frivolous
Contact the complainant directly to resolve the matter informally

Correct answer: Consult with an attorney who specializes in professional licensing matters

Upon receiving notice of a formal board complaint, a counselor should immediately consult with an attorney experienced in professional licensing matters. Professional licensing proceedings have legal consequences and require proper legal guidance.

Question 75: A client discloses during a session that they intend to destroy their ex-partner's car as retaliation. The counselor's confidentiality obligation in this situation is:

Overridden because any threat to property requires disclosure
Potentially overridden if the threat involves serious physical harm
Unclear and the counselor should wait to see if the threat is carried out
Unchanged because this is protected therapeutic communication (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Unchanged because this is protected therapeutic communication

Property destruction is generally not considered the type of serious physical harm that overrides confidentiality under Oklahoma's duty to warn. Threats to property do not typically meet the threshold for mandatory disclosure to protect third parties.

Question 76: When an Oklahoma LPC makes a duty-to-warn disclosure because a client has threatened a specific individual, the counselor must:

Keep the disclosure entirely off the record to protect client privacy
Consult peer supervision as the sole required action
Report the situation only verbally to law enforcement with no written record
Document the threat assessment, the decision rationale, and the protective actions taken (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Document the threat assessment, the decision rationale, and the protective actions taken

All duty-to-warn disclosures must be thoroughly documented, including the nature of the threat, the clinical assessment, and every protective step taken.

Question 77: Which of the following should NOT be included in a clinical case note under best practice standards?

The counselor's personal opinions about the client's character (Correct answer)
Assessment and clinical formulation
Plan and next session objectives
Client's reported symptoms and affect

Correct answer: The counselor's personal opinions about the client's character

Clinical notes should be objective and professional. Personal opinions about a client's character that are not clinically relevant are inappropriate in clinical records and could harm the client if the records are disclosed.

Question 78: An Oklahoma LPC who fails to take reasonable protective action after a client makes a credible threat to a third party may face:

Automatic license suspension imposed without any formal review process
Only an informal peer review with no formal consequences
No consequences if the client later recants or denies the threat
Civil liability, State Board disciplinary action, and potential criminal exposure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Civil liability, State Board disciplinary action, and potential criminal exposure

Failure to fulfill the duty to protect can expose the Oklahoma LPC to civil lawsuits from the harmed party, professional discipline by the State Board, and in serious cases, criminal liability.

OLERE Exam

The Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (OLERE) is a state jurisprudence exam required for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) candidacy in Oklahoma. It assesses knowledge of the LPC Act, Board rules, and ethical standards governing counseling practice.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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