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

In a case where a client expresses desire to harm others due to betrayal, what should the social worker prioritize?

1. Confront the alleged perpetrators immediately

2. Assess the seriousness of the client’s statements on harm

3. Call authorities without delay

4. Refer the client to group therapy for support

The correct answer is: Assess the seriousness of the client’s statements on harm

The priority for the social worker in this scenario should be to assess the seriousness of the client’s statements about harming others. This assessment is crucial for several reasons. First, understanding the magnitude of the client's feelings and intent is vital for ensuring both the safety of the client and potential victims. The social worker needs to gather information about the client's thoughts, emotions, urges, and any plans they may have regarding their expressed desires to harm others. A thorough assessment allows the social worker to determine the level of risk involved and to formulate an appropriate safety plan if necessary. This may involve judgment about the immediacy of the threat and any factors that contribute to the client's distress. Gaining a deeper understanding of the client's feelings of betrayal, their coping mechanisms, and their support systems is essential for responsibly navigating the situation. While it might seem appropriate to confront the alleged perpetrators or call authorities immediately, these actions could escalate the situation without adequate information. Similarly, referring the client to group therapy may not address the immediate concerns of safety and risk. Therefore, the best course of action is to first assess the seriousness of the client’s statements to guide any subsequent intervention appropriately.