Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
(LICSW) Questions And Answers|100
%C0rrect|Grade A+
1. A client reports ongoing panic attacks and requests weekly sessions. What
should the LICSW do first?
A. Teach grounding techniques
B. Conduct a full biopsychosocial assessment
C. Refer to psychiatry immediately
D. Begin cognitive restructuring
Answer: B
Rationale: A comprehensive assessment always precedes intervention and
referral.
2. A mandated client refuses to participate in treatment. What is the LICSW’s
primary obligation?
A. Terminate due to non-compliance
B. Provide motivational interviewing
C. Report lack of engagement to referring authority
D. Force participation using program rules
Answer: C
Rationale: Mandated clients require reporting compliance back to the authority
overseeing the mandate.
3. During a session, a client expresses vague suicidal thoughts but denies plan
or intent. Next step?
A. Hospitalize immediately
B. Develop a safety plan
C. End session early
D. Notify family without consent
,Answer: B
Rationale: Safety planning is appropriate when risk is present but low without
specific plan or intent.
4. A client discloses recent child abuse by a neighbor. What is the LICSW
legally required to do?
A. Maintain confidentiality
B. Encourage client to report
C. Report to child protective services
D. Gather more evidence
Answer: C
Rationale: Social workers are mandated reporters; suspicion alone requires
reporting.
5. A supervisor pressures an LICSW to falsify documentation. What is the
ethical response?
A. Refuse and document the incident
B. Comply to avoid conflict
C. Report to client
D. Leave job immediately
Answer: A
Rationale: Social workers must maintain integrity and accurate records;
documentation protects the clinician.
6. A client with PTSD dissociates in session. What is the best immediate
intervention?
A. Explore childhood trauma
B. Use grounding techniques
C. Challenge cognitive distortions
D. End the session
Answer: B
Rationale: Re-orienting and grounding help stabilize a dissociating client.
, 7. Which approach is MOST consistent with trauma-informed care?
A. Asking detailed questions about trauma immediately
B. Prioritizing client control and emotional safety
C. Challenging avoidance behaviors
D. Using exposure therapy in the first session
Answer: B
Rationale: Trauma-informed practice emphasizes safety, choice, and
empowerment.
8. When a client transfers care, what should happen first?
A. Close the case immediately
B. Provide full records to new provider upon signed release
C. Withhold documentation until payment is complete
D. Refer client without coordination
Answer: B
Rationale: Continuity of care requires proper release and coordination.
9. A client expresses homicidal intent toward an identifiable person. What is
the LICSW required to do?
A. Maintain confidentiality
B. Warn the potential victim if Tarasoff applies
C. Avoid documenting details
D. Explore feelings without action
Answer: B
Rationale: Duty to warn/protect applies when there is credible threat toward
an identifiable person.
10. Which best reflects the concept of “client self-determination”?
A. Encouraging the client to follow your treatment plan
B. Allowing clients to make their own informed choices
C. Preventing risky choices
D. Directing the client toward best-practice goals
Answer: B
(LICSW) Questions And Answers|100
%C0rrect|Grade A+
1. A client reports ongoing panic attacks and requests weekly sessions. What
should the LICSW do first?
A. Teach grounding techniques
B. Conduct a full biopsychosocial assessment
C. Refer to psychiatry immediately
D. Begin cognitive restructuring
Answer: B
Rationale: A comprehensive assessment always precedes intervention and
referral.
2. A mandated client refuses to participate in treatment. What is the LICSW’s
primary obligation?
A. Terminate due to non-compliance
B. Provide motivational interviewing
C. Report lack of engagement to referring authority
D. Force participation using program rules
Answer: C
Rationale: Mandated clients require reporting compliance back to the authority
overseeing the mandate.
3. During a session, a client expresses vague suicidal thoughts but denies plan
or intent. Next step?
A. Hospitalize immediately
B. Develop a safety plan
C. End session early
D. Notify family without consent
,Answer: B
Rationale: Safety planning is appropriate when risk is present but low without
specific plan or intent.
4. A client discloses recent child abuse by a neighbor. What is the LICSW
legally required to do?
A. Maintain confidentiality
B. Encourage client to report
C. Report to child protective services
D. Gather more evidence
Answer: C
Rationale: Social workers are mandated reporters; suspicion alone requires
reporting.
5. A supervisor pressures an LICSW to falsify documentation. What is the
ethical response?
A. Refuse and document the incident
B. Comply to avoid conflict
C. Report to client
D. Leave job immediately
Answer: A
Rationale: Social workers must maintain integrity and accurate records;
documentation protects the clinician.
6. A client with PTSD dissociates in session. What is the best immediate
intervention?
A. Explore childhood trauma
B. Use grounding techniques
C. Challenge cognitive distortions
D. End the session
Answer: B
Rationale: Re-orienting and grounding help stabilize a dissociating client.
, 7. Which approach is MOST consistent with trauma-informed care?
A. Asking detailed questions about trauma immediately
B. Prioritizing client control and emotional safety
C. Challenging avoidance behaviors
D. Using exposure therapy in the first session
Answer: B
Rationale: Trauma-informed practice emphasizes safety, choice, and
empowerment.
8. When a client transfers care, what should happen first?
A. Close the case immediately
B. Provide full records to new provider upon signed release
C. Withhold documentation until payment is complete
D. Refer client without coordination
Answer: B
Rationale: Continuity of care requires proper release and coordination.
9. A client expresses homicidal intent toward an identifiable person. What is
the LICSW required to do?
A. Maintain confidentiality
B. Warn the potential victim if Tarasoff applies
C. Avoid documenting details
D. Explore feelings without action
Answer: B
Rationale: Duty to warn/protect applies when there is credible threat toward
an identifiable person.
10. Which best reflects the concept of “client self-determination”?
A. Encouraging the client to follow your treatment plan
B. Allowing clients to make their own informed choices
C. Preventing risky choices
D. Directing the client toward best-practice goals
Answer: B
