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

In the case of a therapist working with a conservator of a client with major depression, what legal responsibility must the therapist fulfill?

1. Request a copy of the court documentation

2. Discuss the client's treatment options directly with the conservator

3. Hold family therapy sessions with the conservator present

4. Encourage the conservator to take an active role in therapy sessions

The correct answer is: Request a copy of the court documentation

The legal responsibility of the therapist in this situation is to request a copy of the court documentation. This documentation is essential for verifying the conservator's legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the client. It helps to establish the necessary legal framework under which the therapist can share information about the client's treatment and discuss treatment goals with the conservator. Obtaining a copy of the court documentation ensures that the therapist is aware of the specific legal parameters governing the conservatorship, including what rights the conservator has regarding the client's treatment. It also protects the therapist by identifying the conservator as the individual authorized to make decisions in the best interest of the client, particularly in a case involving major depression where the client may not be able to make fully informed decisions. While involving the conservator in treatment discussions is generally beneficial, and encouraging their active role might improve the therapeutic process, these actions should only follow the verification of the conservator's legal authority. This legal obligation provides the therapist with the necessary foundation to proceed ethically and within the bounds of the law, ensuring that the client’s rights and welfare are prioritized.