Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

When a social worker's client is about to lose eligibility for services, what is the best next step for the social worker?

1. Facilitate a conversation regarding termination and potential referrals

2. Empower the client to contact the agency and advocate for ongoing services

3. Offer to provide ongoing treatment after hours

4. Provide the client with the new agency's telephone number

The correct answer is: Facilitate a conversation regarding termination and potential referrals

The most appropriate next step for a social worker when a client is about to lose eligibility for services is to facilitate a conversation regarding termination and potential referrals. This choice acknowledges the reality of the situation while ensuring that the client does not feel abandoned. Engaging in a conversation about termination allows the social worker to discuss the implications of losing services and to explore the emotional and practical aspects of this transition with the client. It provides an opportunity to validate the client's feelings and to collaboratively assess their needs going forward. Moreover, discussing potential referrals emphasizes the social worker's role in advocacy. By identifying and suggesting alternative resources or support systems, the social worker can help the client mitigate the impact of losing their current services. This proactive approach aims to empower the client, ensuring they have pathways to follow even as their current support system diminishes. The other options, while potentially helpful, do not provide the same comprehensive support or encourage an important dialogue about the transition process and available alternatives.