Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What is the FIRST step a social worker should take when developing a treatment plan for clients with varying needs?

1. Conduct a comprehensive assessment

2. Define treatment goals

3. Identify available resources

4. Seek input from the clients

The correct answer is: Conduct a comprehensive assessment

The first step a social worker should take when developing a treatment plan is to conduct a comprehensive assessment. This step is crucial because it provides a detailed understanding of the client's needs, strengths, challenges, and environment. Through a thorough assessment, the social worker gathers relevant information about the client’s history, mental health status, psychosocial factors, and any other pertinent issues. This foundational step informs all subsequent actions, such as defining treatment goals and identifying available resources. Without a clear understanding of the client’s situation, creating appropriate goals or finding relevant resources may be misguided. Additionally, while seeking input from clients is important for involving them in their own care, it is most effective when anchored in a thorough understanding derived from the initial assessment. Thus, conducting a comprehensive assessment ensures that the treatment plan is personalized and addresses the specific needs of the client.