Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

If a social worker involves a supervisor in a session without the client's consent, what ethical issue is being violated?

1. Failure to utilize informed consent

2. Neglecting to refer to specialists

3. Managing client confidentiality

4. Providing inappropriate treatment

The correct answer is: Failure to utilize informed consent

The correct choice revolves around the concept of informed consent, which is a foundational ethical principle in social work practice. Informed consent requires that clients be fully aware of and agree to the processes and people involved in their treatment. When a social worker invites a supervisor into a client session without obtaining the client's consent, they fail to uphold this principle. It violates the client's autonomy and right to make informed decisions about who is privy to their personal information and therapeutic process. This situation can impact the trust between the client and the social worker, which is crucial for effective therapy. It emphasizes the need for professionals to communicate transparently about who will be involved in the treatment and seek explicit approval before sharing information that is sensitive and private. In this context, the reference to informed consent signifies the ethical obligation of the social worker to ensure that any third-party involvement is consensual, upholding the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. This is critical to maintaining trust and respect for the client’s wishes and confidentiality.