Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What is the FIRST step a social worker should take after observing a crisis during a group session?

1. Implement stricter group rules

2. Assess the emotional state of the group members

3. Facilitate a discussion about the event

4. Document the incident for future reference

The correct answer is: Facilitate a discussion about the event

The most appropriate first step a social worker should take after observing a crisis during a group session is to assess the emotional state of the group members. This action is critical because addressing the immediate emotional needs of the group is paramount in a crisis situation. The social worker must understand how each individual is affected and ensure their safety and well-being, which helps in stabilizing the group atmosphere. By assessing the emotional state, the social worker can gauge the level of distress, fear, or confusion among the group members. This understanding is essential before moving on to other steps such as facilitating a group discussion about what happened or implementing any changes to group rules. Conducting an assessment creates an opportunity to validate members' feelings, provide reassurance, and set the stage for better communication and support within the group. After ensuring that group members' emotional needs are being met, the social worker could then move into further action steps, such as facilitating a discussion about the event (when appropriate) or documenting the incident for future reference. However, immediate assessment ensures that the social worker's actions are informed and sensitive to the group's dynamics.