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

What is the next appropriate step for a social worker after completing a risk assessment with a client showing signs of depression?

1. Refer the client to a psychiatrist for a medical evaluation

2. Initiate cognitive behavioral therapy to address depression

3. Provide job placement resources

4. Assess the need for family support

The correct answer is: Refer the client to a psychiatrist for a medical evaluation

The next appropriate step after completing a risk assessment with a client who shows signs of depression is to refer the client to a psychiatrist for a medical evaluation. This is crucial, especially if the risk assessment indicates potential safety concerns, such as suicidal ideation or severe depressive symptoms. Referring to a psychiatrist allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the client's mental health and potential underlying conditions that may require medical intervention. Psychiatrists can provide a thorough assessment and determine if medication is necessary, which can be pivotal in cases of moderate to severe depression. This step ensures that the client receives an appropriate level of care that may not be within the social worker’s scope of practice. In contrast, initiating cognitive behavioral therapy may be appropriate after a full evaluation is completed, as the therapeutic interventions depend on understanding the severity and nature of the client's condition. Providing job placement resources may not directly address the client's immediate mental health needs, and assessing the need for family support, although beneficial, does not prioritize the client's safety and mental health evaluation. Thus, referring the client for a medical evaluation is the most suitable step following a risk assessment in this context.