New York Licensed Mental Health
Counselor (LMHC) Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A counselor notices a client frequently avoids discussing their father.
This is most likely an example of
a) Projection
b) Rationalization
c) Resistance
d) Identification
Resistance occurs when clients unconsciously avoid distressing topics
to protect themselves from anxiety or conflict.
2. Which of the following is the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral
therapy (CBT)?
, a) Exploring unconscious conflicts
b) Modifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors
c) Enhancing self-actualization
d) Free association
CBT aims to change dysfunctional thought patterns to positively
influence emotions and behavior.
3. According to Erikson, the primary psychosocial task of adolescence is
a) Autonomy vs. shame
b) Initiative vs. guilt
c) Intimacy vs. isolation
d) Identity vs. role confusion
Adolescents seek to establish a stable identity; failure results in role
confusion.
4. When administering the MMPI-2, a counselor should be most
concerned about
a) Cultural validity
b) IQ interpretation
c) Medication dosage
d) Standardized administration
Standardized administration ensures test reliability and validity
across populations.
5. A counselor is mandated to break confidentiality when
a) A client requests a treatment summary
, b) A client threatens imminent harm to others
c) A client discusses past criminal behavior
d) A client wants a referral
Duty to warn/protect applies when clients present imminent risk of
harm to others.
6. The best initial response to a client expressing suicidal ideation is
a) Encouraging journaling
b) Conducting a suicide risk assessment
c) Exploring childhood trauma
d) Referring immediately without assessment
Immediate assessment determines the severity of suicidal risk and
informs interventions.
7. A genogram is primarily used to
a) Assess neurological functioning
b) Diagnose mood disorders
c) Map family structure and dynamics
d) Measure personality traits
Genograms visually represent family patterns, roles, and
intergenerational influences.
8. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with depression?
a) Acetylcholine
b) GABA
c) Serotonin
, d) Dopamine
Low serotonin levels are strongly linked to depressive symptoms.
9. A counselor using Gestalt therapy would most likely ask a client to
a) Track automatic thoughts
b) Practice dream interpretation
c) Complete the Thematic Apperception Test
d) Engage in empty-chair dialogue
Gestalt techniques focus on here-and-now experiences, such as role-
play with the empty chair.
10. In group counseling, cohesion is best described as
a) Leader control
b) Sense of solidarity among members
c) Testing group rules
d) Individual resistance
Cohesion refers to trust, support, and unity, which enhance group
effectiveness.
11. Which of the following is an example of a behavioral
intervention?
a) Exploring early attachment issues
b) Systematic desensitization
c) Examining irrational beliefs
d) Dream analysis
Counselor (LMHC) Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A counselor notices a client frequently avoids discussing their father.
This is most likely an example of
a) Projection
b) Rationalization
c) Resistance
d) Identification
Resistance occurs when clients unconsciously avoid distressing topics
to protect themselves from anxiety or conflict.
2. Which of the following is the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral
therapy (CBT)?
, a) Exploring unconscious conflicts
b) Modifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors
c) Enhancing self-actualization
d) Free association
CBT aims to change dysfunctional thought patterns to positively
influence emotions and behavior.
3. According to Erikson, the primary psychosocial task of adolescence is
a) Autonomy vs. shame
b) Initiative vs. guilt
c) Intimacy vs. isolation
d) Identity vs. role confusion
Adolescents seek to establish a stable identity; failure results in role
confusion.
4. When administering the MMPI-2, a counselor should be most
concerned about
a) Cultural validity
b) IQ interpretation
c) Medication dosage
d) Standardized administration
Standardized administration ensures test reliability and validity
across populations.
5. A counselor is mandated to break confidentiality when
a) A client requests a treatment summary
, b) A client threatens imminent harm to others
c) A client discusses past criminal behavior
d) A client wants a referral
Duty to warn/protect applies when clients present imminent risk of
harm to others.
6. The best initial response to a client expressing suicidal ideation is
a) Encouraging journaling
b) Conducting a suicide risk assessment
c) Exploring childhood trauma
d) Referring immediately without assessment
Immediate assessment determines the severity of suicidal risk and
informs interventions.
7. A genogram is primarily used to
a) Assess neurological functioning
b) Diagnose mood disorders
c) Map family structure and dynamics
d) Measure personality traits
Genograms visually represent family patterns, roles, and
intergenerational influences.
8. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with depression?
a) Acetylcholine
b) GABA
c) Serotonin
, d) Dopamine
Low serotonin levels are strongly linked to depressive symptoms.
9. A counselor using Gestalt therapy would most likely ask a client to
a) Track automatic thoughts
b) Practice dream interpretation
c) Complete the Thematic Apperception Test
d) Engage in empty-chair dialogue
Gestalt techniques focus on here-and-now experiences, such as role-
play with the empty chair.
10. In group counseling, cohesion is best described as
a) Leader control
b) Sense of solidarity among members
c) Testing group rules
d) Individual resistance
Cohesion refers to trust, support, and unity, which enhance group
effectiveness.
11. Which of the following is an example of a behavioral
intervention?
a) Exploring early attachment issues
b) Systematic desensitization
c) Examining irrational beliefs
d) Dream analysis
