Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

When working with a client who speaks limited English, what should the social worker prioritize?

1. Utilizing visual aids in therapy

2. Determining the client's specific language

3. Finding a bilingual therapist

4. Using translation apps

The correct answer is: Determining the client's specific language

Determining the client's specific language is crucial when working with a client who speaks limited English. This step ensures that the social worker can effectively communicate and understand the client’s needs, preferences, and cultural context. Knowing the specific language allows the social worker to seek out appropriate resources—such as bilingual staff or translators—and fosters accurate communication, which is essential for building rapport and trust. While using visual aids, finding a bilingual therapist, and employing translation apps can be beneficial supplementary strategies, they are contingent upon first understanding the language spoken by the client. If a social worker does not know the specific language, they may struggle to implement these additional strategies effectively. Thus, focusing on identifying the client's language preference is a foundational step in ensuring that communication barriers are addressed appropriately in the therapeutic setting.