FREE LCSW Practice Exam Questions – Part 1

A teenager reports feeling anxious about starting high school and says, “What if I can’t make any friends?” They describe avoiding orientation events because they fear rejection. What is the most appropriate intervention?

During a family therapy session, a teenager discloses they feel constantly blamed for their siblings’ problems, leading to feelings of resentment. The social worker identifies a pattern of scapegoating. What intervention would be most appropriate?

During a session, a client reveals they have been experiencing workplace harassment but are afraid to report it due to fear of retaliation. What should the social worker do first?

A client recently diagnosed with a chronic illness expresses feelings of hopelessness and fear about their future. They report withdrawing from friends and family because they don’t want to burden anyone. What is the best approach for the social worker to take?

A parent of a 4-year-old child reports that the child has frequent tantrums in public and refuses to follow instructions. The parent feels embarrassed and overwhelmed. What is the best intervention?

A client with bipolar disorder expresses concern about experiencing manic episodes despite adherence to their medication regimen. They report sleeping very little and feeling unusually irritable and impulsive. What should the social worker prioritize in addressing the client’s concerns?

A parent reports that their 12-year-old child is becoming increasingly defiant and argumentative. The parent says, “They refuse to listen to anything I say, and it’s exhausting.” What is the best intervention?

During a session, a client with depression reports feeling disconnected from their family and withdrawing socially. They state, “No one understands what I’m going through, so what’s the point?” What should the social worker prioritize?

A social worker is facilitating a group therapy session for adolescents struggling with self-esteem issues. One participant shares a deeply personal story about being bullied, and the group becomes silent. What is the best action for the social worker to take next?

A parent seeks support from a social worker for their 10-year-old child, who is struggling with frequent tantrums and difficulty following instructions at home. What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client recovering from a traumatic event shares that they avoid talking about it because it makes them feel vulnerable and exposed. They say, “I’m scared that if I start, I won’t be able to stop.” What is the best intervention?

A social worker is meeting with a client who recently immigrated and reports feeling isolated due to cultural differences. The client struggles to access services because of language barriers. What is the most appropriate first step for the social worker?

A client shares that they recently started a new job and feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities. They state, “I’m afraid I’ll fail, and everyone will know I don’t belong here.” What is the best intervention?

During a family therapy session, a parent expresses frustration about their teenager’s rebellious behavior, including skipping curfews and lying about their whereabouts. The teenager responds angrily, stating, “You never listen to me anyway.” How should the social worker proceed?

A teenager expresses difficulty managing conflict with their parents, stating, “They just don’t understand me, and we fight all the time.” The parents report feeling disrespected and frustrated by the teenager’s behavior. What is the best intervention?

A client with generalized anxiety disorder describes avoiding public transportation due to fear of being trapped or unable to leave. They say, “It’s easier to just drive everywhere, even if it’s inconvenient.” What is the most effective intervention?

A social worker observes that an elderly client relies heavily on their adult child for daily tasks, including managing finances, but there are signs of potential financial exploitation. The client is reluctant to discuss these concerns further. What is the social worker’s best course of action?

A client recovering from substance use disorder shares that they’ve been avoiding social situations because they fear being judged for their past. They say, “I don’t think I’ll ever fit in again.” What is the best intervention?

A parent reports that their 6-year-old child has difficulty following directions and frequently loses items like toys and school supplies. They say, “I don’t know how to get them to focus.” What is the best intervention?

A parent reports that their 8-year-old child has been displaying aggressive behavior at school, including hitting classmates. The parent is frustrated and unsure how to respond. What is the best intervention?

During a therapy session, a client reports intense feelings of guilt and hopelessness after losing their job. They express doubts about their ability to find new employment and say, “I feel like a failure.” What is the best initial response from the social worker?

A teenager reports feeling disconnected from their parents and states, “They don’t understand what I’m going through.” The parents report feeling dismissed and unsure how to connect with their child. What is the best intervention?

A parent reports that their 9-year-old child frequently interrupts conversations and struggles to stay focused on homework. The parent states, “I think they’re just being lazy.” What is the best intervention?

A client who is a healthcare worker reports feeling burned out and emotionally exhausted. They describe being irritable with coworkers and dreading going to work. They fear that their feelings might affect their ability to provide quality care. What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client with a history of depression and substance use reports experiencing intense cravings after losing their job. They say, “I feel like using again, just to escape.” What is the most appropriate response by the social worker?

During a therapy session, a client expresses frustration with their sibling, who frequently asks for financial support. The client states, “I can’t say no because I feel guilty.” What is the best intervention?

A social worker is conducting a risk assessment for a client who expresses vague suicidal ideation but denies having a specific plan or intent. What should the social worker focus on to determine the client’s level of risk?

A client with social anxiety describes feeling panicked in situations where they must speak in front of others. They say, “I feel like everyone is judging me.” What intervention would be most effective?

A client reports feeling disconnected from their cultural identity after moving to a new country. They state, “I feel like I’ve lost who I am.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A social worker is working with a client who has a history of substance use disorder and expresses guilt over past actions while intoxicated. The client states they are committed to maintaining sobriety but struggles with feelings of shame. What intervention would be most appropriate?

A 35-year-old client with a history of substance abuse has been sober for three months but reports experiencing heightened anxiety and trouble sleeping. The client has expressed a strong commitment to maintaining sobriety and is hesitant about taking medications. What is the most appropriate next step for the social worker to recommend?

A client reports difficulty concentrating and making decisions after recently losing a loved one. They state, “I can’t even think straight anymore.” What is the best approach for the social worker?

A client recovering from trauma reports feeling “stuck” in therapy and unsure if they’re making progress. They say, “I’m not sure if this is helping.” What is the most appropriate response?

A client with social anxiety expresses fear about attending an upcoming work event. They say, “I know everyone will be judging me, and I’ll embarrass myself.” What is the best intervention?

A teenager shares that they’ve been feeling lonely and disconnected from their peers after moving to a new school. They say, “I feel like I’ll never make any friends here.” What is the best intervention?

A client with a history of substance use disorder shares that they feel ashamed of their past behaviors. They state, “I don’t think I’ll ever deserve forgiveness.” What is the best intervention?

A social worker is working with a client who has been experiencing symptoms of PTSD after surviving a car accident. The client reports avoiding driving altogether and feels panicked even at the thought of being in a car. Which intervention is most appropriate for the social worker to recommend?

A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices that they find distressing and distracting. They are hesitant to take medication but are open to non-medication strategies. What intervention should the social worker recommend?

A 28-year-old client discloses that their partner frequently checks their phone and social media accounts without permission. The client feels anxious and unsure if this behavior is healthy. How should the social worker interpret this behavior?

A client with generalized anxiety disorder describes feeling paralyzed when making decisions. They state, “What if I make the wrong choice and ruin everything?” What is the best intervention?

A client reports feeling emotionally numb and detached from their surroundings after experiencing a traumatic event. They describe these feelings as “out-of-body” experiences. What condition is the client likely experiencing?

A client with borderline personality disorder frequently alternates between idealizing and devaluing their social worker. How should the social worker address this behavior?

A client with social anxiety disorder avoids all social situations and expresses fear of being judged by others. They report feeling isolated and helpless. What is the most evidence-based intervention for addressing this concern?

A client recovering from trauma reports avoiding crowded places because they feel unsafe and overwhelmed. They state, “It’s just easier to stay home.” What is the best intervention?

A client reports feeling disconnected from their partner and states, “We barely talk anymore, and I feel like we’re growing apart.” The client expresses a desire to improve the relationship but feels unsure where to start. What is the best intervention?

A teenager shares that they feel overwhelmed by academic pressure and parental expectations. They say, “I feel like no matter what I do, it’s never good enough.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A social worker is leading a psychoeducational group for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. One member shares a story about experiencing a strong craving to use substances but successfully avoiding relapse by calling a sponsor. How should the social worker respond?

A parent reports that their 5-year-old child refuses to eat meals at the table and often throws food when upset. The parent feels frustrated and unsure how to address this behavior. What is the best intervention?

During a therapy session, a client shares that they feel “stuck” in their personal growth, frequently revisiting past mistakes and feeling unable to move forward. They ask, “How do I let go of my past?” What is the best intervention?

A social worker is facilitating a support group for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. One member frequently interrupts others, monopolizing the conversation. How should the social worker respond?