Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

In working with a client with a history of treatment failures, what should a social worker do first when developing a treatment plan?

1. Establish a timeline for therapy sessions

2. Identify obstacles that hindered earlier treatment efforts

3. Set long-term goals for the client

4. Discuss client preferences for treatment

The correct answer is: Identify obstacles that hindered earlier treatment efforts

Identifying obstacles that hindered earlier treatment efforts is essential when developing a treatment plan for a client with a history of treatment failures. Understanding the specific reasons why previous treatments were unsuccessful provides valuable insights that inform the current approach. This awareness allows the social worker to tailor interventions to address these barriers effectively, ensuring that the new treatment plan is more likely to resonate with the client's unique experiences and challenges. By focusing on the obstacles, the social worker can also foster a collaborative relationship with the client. This process encourages open communication and empowers the client to be an active participant in their own care. It highlights the importance of not just moving forward with new strategies, but also learning from past experiences to avoid repeating mistakes. Other components of treatment planning, such as establishing a timeline, setting long-term goals, or discussing client preferences, can be significantly enhanced once the underlying issues are identified. These steps are important but would be less effective if they do not address the specific barriers that have historically impacted the client's engagement and success in treatment. Thus, beginning with a thorough analysis of past treatment obstacles sets a solid foundation for any subsequent planning and intervention.