LMSW Practice Test

A school social worker sees a 15-year-old girl for academic and behavioral problems, manifesting extreme negativity. The social worker is most likely to recommend

1. group therapy

2. long-term treatment

3. psychoanalysis

4. short-term trial treatment

The correct answer is: short-term trial treatment

In this scenario, a school social worker is addressing the immediate academic and behavioral issues of a 15-year-old girl who is displaying extreme negativity. The most appropriate recommendation would be for short-term trial treatment. This approach allows for an initial assessment of the girl's needs and responses to intervention without committing to a long-term treatment plan right away. Short-term trial treatment can effectively engage the student and provide quick strategies to address immediate concerns, such as coping mechanisms for negativity or behavioral strategies for the school environment. It is beneficial in a school setting where time and resources may be limited. This option can also help gauge the effectiveness of interventions, which can then be revisited or adjusted based on progress. Long-term treatment and psychoanalysis may be excessive at this early stage, as they typically require a deeper exploration of underlying psychological issues and may not provide the immediate support the student needs. Group therapy might not be suitable as the initial step since it may not address the individual’s specific issues in a focused manner. Starting with a short-term option allows for targeted, personalized interventions that can be reevaluated as necessary.