FREE LCSW Practice Test Questions – Part 2

A client in a group therapy session shares a deeply personal experience and becomes emotional, stating, “I feel like no one understands what I’ve been through.” The group falls silent, and other members avoid eye contact. What is the most appropriate response by the social worker?

A client recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder expresses concern about managing their mood swings. They say, “I’m scared I’ll never feel normal again.” What is the best approach for the social worker?

A client with bipolar disorder expresses frustration about their inability to manage mood swings despite taking prescribed medication. They say, “I just want to feel normal.” What should the social worker prioritize?

A client reports feeling disconnected from their partner after the birth of their first child. They express frustration about the lack of intimacy and say, “We’re constantly fighting, and I feel like we’re drifting apart.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A parent reports that their 8-year-old child frequently complains of stomachaches before school but seems fine on weekends. The child has also become more withdrawn and irritable at home. What is the best next step?

During a session, a teenager reveals that they feel overwhelmed by pressure to perform well academically and athletically. They say, “I just feel like I’m failing no matter what I do.” What is the best response from the social worker?

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) reports spending hours each day performing checking rituals, which significantly interfere with their daily life. What is the most appropriate therapeutic technique to address this issue?

A social worker is conducting a home visit for a family with a history of domestic violence. During the visit, the alleged perpetrator unexpectedly arrives, appearing agitated. What should be the social worker’s immediate priority?

A teenager shares that they often feel overwhelmed by schoolwork and struggle to stay organized. They say, “No matter how hard I try, I can’t keep up.” What is the best intervention?

A social worker is meeting with a client who reports frequent panic attacks. The client describes feeling overwhelmed by their physical symptoms, including shortness of breath and chest pain. They say, “It feels like I’m dying every time it happens.” What is the best intervention?

A 15-year-old client discloses that they have been skipping school because they are being bullied by peers. The client’s parent reports that they have become withdrawn and irritable at home. What is the most appropriate first step for the social worker?

A parent reports that their 5-year-old child often becomes aggressive when playing with other children, hitting or pushing them. The parent says, “I don’t know how to make them stop.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

During a session, a client reports feeling stuck in their career and expresses frustration about their lack of advancement. They state, “I don’t even know what I’m good at anymore.” What is the best next step?

During a therapy session, a client with borderline personality disorder accuses the social worker of favoring other clients. The client becomes visibly upset and threatens to leave therapy. How should the social worker respond?

A client recently discharged from inpatient treatment for depression reports difficulty adjusting to their daily routine and maintaining their mental health gains. They express fear of relapsing. What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports constant worry about their health despite receiving reassurance from doctors that nothing is wrong. They say, “I still can’t shake the feeling that something bad will happen.” What is the best intervention?

A parent of a 10-year-old child with ADHD reports that the child has difficulty completing homework and frequently becomes frustrated. The parent states, “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works.” What is the best intervention?

During a family therapy session, parents express concern about their teenage child’s refusal to follow household rules. The teenager states, “You treat me like a child and never listen to me.” What is the best intervention?

A teenager referred to a social worker is exhibiting signs of depression and frequently skips school. The social worker learns the teenager’s parents are going through a contentious divorce, causing tension at home. What should the social worker prioritize when addressing the teenager’s needs?

A client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reports feeling detached from loved ones and avoiding social gatherings. They say, “I just don’t feel like I belong anymore.” What is the best intervention?

A client reports experiencing flashbacks and nightmares related to a traumatic event that occurred several years ago. They have been avoiding situations that remind them of the trauma. What evidence-based intervention would be most appropriate for this client?

A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder frequently interrupts the social worker during sessions, expressing fears that their therapy is not progressing quickly enough. What is the best approach for the social worker to take?

During an intake session, a client reports experiencing recurring feelings of inadequacy and an inability to maintain healthy relationships, which they believe stem from a difficult childhood. The social worker decides to explore the client’s unconscious processes and early life experiences to uncover patterns that may contribute to these struggles. Which theoretical approach aligns most closely with this intervention?

A parent reports that their 9-year-old child has started refusing to go to school, claiming frequent stomachaches and headaches in the morning. Medical evaluations have ruled out any physical cause. What is the best intervention?

During a group therapy session for individuals with eating disorders, a member begins to describe their weight loss strategies in detail. Other members appear visibly uncomfortable, with one individual looking down and avoiding eye contact. How should the social worker respond to maintain the therapeutic focus of the group?

A client with a recent history of trauma reports difficulty concentrating at work, feeling irritable, and avoiding activities they used to enjoy. They say, “I don’t feel like myself anymore.” What is the most likely diagnosis?

A client with borderline personality disorder reports intense fear of abandonment and states, “I feel like everyone leaves me eventually.” They often call the social worker outside of scheduled sessions seeking reassurance. What is the best intervention?

A client recovering from trauma shares that they frequently avoid certain parts of town where the traumatic event occurred. They state, “It’s just too much to even think about going there.” What is the most effective intervention?

A client with a history of substance use disorder reports feeling intense cravings after recently visiting places they associate with past substance use. What is the best way for the social worker to help the client manage these triggers?

A client with a history of trauma reports frequent intrusive thoughts and feelings of detachment. They state, “I can’t stop thinking about what happened, and I feel like I’m not even here sometimes.” What is the best intervention?

A client recently diagnosed with ADHD reports feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks and struggling to stay organized. They state, “I can’t keep up with everything, and it’s exhausting.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A teenager reports difficulty concentrating in school, feeling “on edge,” and worrying excessively about their academic performance. They also mention avoiding social interactions with classmates. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A social worker is meeting with a client who reports struggling with low self-esteem after ending a long-term relationship. The client says, “I don’t think I’ll ever be good enough for anyone.” What is the most appropriate first step?

A client with generalized anxiety disorder frequently expresses worry about their performance at work. They describe over-preparing for meetings and constantly seeking reassurance from colleagues. What is the best next step?

A social worker is meeting with a client who identifies as transgender and is seeking support during their transition process. The client reports feeling misunderstood by their family. What is the most important approach for the social worker to take?

A social worker is working with a family experiencing frequent conflict. The parents disagree on discipline strategies for their children, leading to tension. What is the most appropriate intervention?

A parent expresses concern about their 10-year-old child’s frequent defiance, including refusing to do chores and arguing about bedtime rules. The parent states, “I’m at my wit’s end.” What is the best intervention?

A client with a history of substance use disorder expresses fear about attending social events where alcohol will be served. They state, “I don’t want people to think I’m boring because I’m not drinking.” What is the best way to support the client?

A social worker is working with a young adult client who identifies as nonbinary and expresses difficulty finding a supportive community. The client reports feeling isolated and misunderstood. What is the best intervention?

A client with a history of generalized anxiety disorder shares that they are considering a major career change but feel paralyzed by fear of failure. They say, “What if I make the wrong decision and ruin everything?” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder frequently sends emotional emails to the social worker outside of scheduled sessions, expressing feelings of abandonment. What is the best approach for the social worker?

A parent reports that their adolescent child has been acting out at home and school, frequently breaking rules and arguing with authority figures. What is the most likely diagnosis based on these behaviors?

A teenager reports feeling pressured to achieve high grades and says, “I feel like nothing I do is good enough.” They also report frequent headaches and trouble sleeping. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A client with a history of trauma shares that they often feel detached and “numb” in social situations. They state, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease reports feelings of resentment, stating, “I feel like I’ve lost my freedom, but I also feel guilty for thinking that.” What is the best intervention?

A client discloses experiencing suicidal thoughts but denies having a plan or access to lethal means. They report feeling hopeless and isolated due to recent job loss. Which factor is LEAST relevant to assessing the client’s immediate risk?

A social worker is working with a couple who frequently argue about financial issues. One partner feels that the other is overly controlling with money, while the other believes their partner is irresponsible. What is the best intervention?

A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports constantly worrying about various aspects of their life, such as work, family, and finances. The client expresses frustration about their inability to control these worries. Which cognitive distortion is most likely contributing to their anxiety?

A client with a recent history of substance use disorder reports feeling triggered by advertisements for alcohol on social media. They state, “It’s everywhere, and I don’t know how to stop thinking about it.” What is the most effective intervention?

A teenager reports feeling disconnected from their cultural identity after moving to a new country. They state, “I don’t feel like I belong anywhere.” What is the best intervention?