LCSW Practice Exam Series – Part 3

During a therapy session, a client shares that they have been having frequent thoughts of self-harm but denies any intention to act on them. They say, “I just want the pain to stop.” What should the social worker prioritize in this situation?

A client recovering from trauma expresses frustration, stating, “I can’t stop thinking about it, and I just want to move on.” They report avoiding activities that remind them of the trauma. What is the most effective intervention?

A client reports struggling to manage their finances and expresses guilt about overspending. They state, “I know I’m making bad decisions, but I can’t stop.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A social worker is working with a young adult client who recently immigrated and expresses feelings of isolation and cultural disconnection. They report missing their home country and struggling to adapt to their new environment. What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client recovering from a traumatic car accident reports feeling hypervigilant when driving and frequently avoids highways. They state, “I feel like I’m going to crash again.” What is the most evidence-based intervention?

A client with major depressive disorder reports difficulty sleeping, low energy, and poor concentration at work. They express a desire to improve their symptoms but feel overwhelmed by the thought of significant changes. What should the social worker prioritize in treatment planning?

During a session, a client expresses anger about their partner’s unwillingness to attend couple’s therapy. The client says, “I feel like I’m the only one trying.” How should the social worker respond?

A client with a recent history of job loss expresses frustration about their inability to find a new position. They state, “I feel like I’m failing my family.” What is the most effective intervention?

A client with major depressive disorder expresses feelings of hopelessness, stating, “I can’t see a way out of this.” They report difficulty finding motivation to complete daily tasks and withdrawing from loved ones. What is the most appropriate next step?

A client in a domestic violence situation reports feeling trapped and unable to leave due to financial dependency on their partner. What should the social worker prioritize in this situation?

A teenager shares that they feel pressured to choose a college major but have no idea what they want to do in the future. They say, “What if I make the wrong choice and ruin everything?” What is the best intervention?

A client who recently immigrated expresses feelings of isolation and difficulty adjusting to their new environment. They say, “I miss my home and my family.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A parent of a 7-year-old child reports that the child becomes highly upset and cries when routines change unexpectedly. The parent says, “We try to keep everything predictable, but life doesn’t always work that way.” What is the best intervention?

A social worker is working with a teenager who exhibits signs of depression and social withdrawal. The teenager mentions spending excessive time on social media and feeling inadequate compared to peers. What is the best intervention?

A client with a recent diagnosis of major depressive disorder reports feeling fatigued, hopeless, and unable to complete daily tasks. They say, “I just don’t see the point in anything anymore.” What should the social worker prioritize?

A client with generalized anxiety disorder shares that they constantly worry about worst-case scenarios, even when things are going well. They say, “I feel like I’m always waiting for something bad to happen.” What is the best intervention?

A client recovering from depression reports struggling to find joy in activities they used to enjoy. They say, “I feel like nothing will ever make me happy again.” What is the best intervention?

A parent reports that their 12-year-old child has been spending excessive time playing video games, avoiding homework and family activities. The parent is concerned about the child’s academic performance and social withdrawal. What is the best intervention?

A client with borderline personality disorder frequently calls their social worker outside of scheduled sessions, expressing feelings of abandonment. What is the most effective approach for the social worker to manage these behaviors?

A client with generalized anxiety disorder shares that they have difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts about worst-case scenarios. They say, “I feel like I’m constantly on edge.” What is the most effective intervention?

A social worker is facilitating a group therapy session for clients recovering from substance use disorders. One participant shares that they relapsed after a stressful event. How should the social worker respond?

A client with a history of major depressive disorder expresses frustration that their current therapy “isn’t working.” They say, “I feel like I’m just venting, but nothing is changing.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client recovering from substance use disorder expresses concern about being around family members who drink during the holidays. They state, “I don’t want to relapse, but I don’t want to miss out on family time.” What is the best intervention?

A client recovering from substance use disorder expresses concern about maintaining sobriety during an upcoming family reunion where alcohol will be present. They say, “I don’t know if I’m strong enough to get through it.” What is the best intervention?

A client with depression shares that they feel their relationships are one-sided and that they’re always “the one giving.” They say, “I don’t think anyone cares about me as much as I care about them.” What is the best intervention?

A parent of a 5-year-old child reports that their child has frequent temper tantrums, especially when they are told “no.” The parent feels overwhelmed and unsure how to respond. What is the most appropriate intervention?

A teenager with a history of oppositional defiant disorder reports frequent arguments with teachers and peers. They state, “Nobody listens to me, so why should I listen to them?” What is the best intervention?

A client reports feeling paralyzed by indecision when faced with major life choices. They state, “I’m terrified of making the wrong decision and ruining everything.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client who recently experienced the death of a parent reports feeling numb and disconnected from their emotions. They state, “I know I should be grieving, but I just feel empty.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A parent reports that their 4-year-old child refuses to share toys with other children and often cries when asked to take turns. The parent says, “I’m worried they’ll never learn how to play nicely.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder reports feeling frustrated with the stigma surrounding mental health. They state, “I’m afraid to tell anyone because they might treat me differently.” What is the best intervention?

A social worker is meeting with a family whose teenage son was recently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. The parents express frustration, stating, “We’ve tried everything, but he just won’t calm down.” What is the best way for the social worker to proceed?

A teenager shares that they have been feeling increasingly anxious about school and frequently worry about disappointing their parents. They state, “I feel like I’m not good enough no matter what I do.” What is the best response from the social worker?

A client who recently lost their job expresses feelings of hopelessness and says, “I feel like I’m letting my family down.” They also report isolating themselves from loved ones and struggling with daily tasks. What is the most appropriate next step?

A social worker is facilitating a group for individuals coping with grief. One participant shares that they feel angry and resentful about their loss, stating, “Why did this happen to me?” What is the most appropriate response?

A client reports feeling overwhelmed at work due to an unmanageable workload. They state they are afraid to bring this up with their supervisor for fear of being seen as incapable. What is the most appropriate intervention?

A social worker is facilitating a support group for clients managing chronic illnesses. One participant frequently makes negative comments, disrupting the group dynamic and causing others to disengage. What is the most appropriate response?

During a couple’s therapy session, one partner reveals feelings of emotional neglect and expresses a desire for more communication and connection. The other partner dismisses these concerns as exaggerated. What should the social worker prioritize in this session?

A parent reports that their 7-year-old child has been acting aggressively toward siblings and peers, often yelling or hitting when they don’t get their way. The parent feels helpless and unsure how to manage the behavior. What is the best intervention?

A social worker is providing psychoeducation about the stages of grief to a client who recently lost a parent. The client expresses frustration, saying, “I feel angry all the time, but I know I shouldn’t.” How should the social worker respond?

A client with a substance use disorder reports feeling triggered to drink when visiting friends who also consume alcohol. They express difficulty staying sober in these situations. What is the best recommendation?

A client with a history of chronic pain reports increased reliance on opioids prescribed by their physician. They express concern about their dependency but are reluctant to explore alternative treatments. What is the most appropriate next step for the social worker?

A client reports difficulty coping with the recent death of their partner, stating, “I can’t imagine my life without them.” They also describe withdrawing from social activities and avoiding friends who remind them of their loss. What is the best intervention?

A client with depression states, “I feel like no one would care if I disappeared.” They deny having a plan for self-harm but express feelings of worthlessness. What is the most appropriate response?

A client with generalized anxiety disorder describes difficulty sleeping due to persistent worries about the future. They report trying to distract themselves but find their mind “spiraling out of control” at night. What is the most effective intervention?

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) describes a compulsion to check their locks repeatedly before leaving the house, which causes them to be late for work. They express frustration but are unsure how to stop. What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reports recurring nightmares and flashbacks related to a traumatic event. They feel anxious about discussing their trauma in detail. What intervention should the social worker prioritize?

A client recovering from a traumatic event reports feeling “on edge” all the time and experiencing a racing heartbeat and sweating when triggered. They say, “I just want to feel normal again.” What is the most effective intervention?

A client shares that they often feel overwhelmed when trying to balance work, family, and personal time. They say, “I feel like I’m always failing someone.” What is the most appropriate intervention?

A client recently started therapy to address feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem. During a session, the client shares that their partner often belittles them, leaving them feeling trapped and helpless. They state, “I don’t know if I should stay or leave.” What is the best initial approach for the social worker?