CALIFORNIA LAW AND ETHICS EXAMINATION FOR
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS (LCSW)
ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS AND WELL REVISED
ANSWERS - LATEST AND COMPLETE UPDATE WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS – ASSURED PASS
1. A client confides in an LCSW that they are considering harming themselves.
The client requests that the therapist not disclose this information to anyone.
What is the LCSW’s most appropriate action?
A. Respect the client’s request and maintain confidentiality
B. Encourage the client to develop a safety plan but do not disclose
C. Notify appropriate authorities and take steps to ensure client safety
D. Refer the client to another clinician without taking further action
Rationale: In California, the duty to protect the client and others overrides
confidentiality when there is a credible risk of harm (Tarasoff v. Regents of the
University of California). The LCSW must take appropriate steps to prevent
harm.
2. An LCSW receives a subpoena for a client’s records. The client has not
consented to disclosure. What should the LCSW do first?
A. Release the records immediately
B. Consult with legal counsel and review the scope of the subpoena
C. Inform the client that the records will be released regardless
D. Destroy the records to protect client confidentiality
,Rationale: Subpoenas require careful review; legal counsel can ensure
compliance with law while protecting client rights under HIPAA and California
law.
3. A 16-year-old client seeks therapy for substance use but does not want their
parents involved. Under California law, which is correct?
A. The therapist must always involve parents
B. The therapist should refuse services without parental consent
C. A minor of 12 or older may consent to mental health treatment for
substance use
D. Only if the minor has parental consent can therapy begin
Rationale: California Family Code §6929 allows minors aged 12+ to consent to
outpatient mental health services for drug or alcohol use without parental
consent.
4. During therapy, a client asks the LCSW for advice about evicting a tenant.
The LCSW knows the client is likely to take illegal action. What should the
LCSW do?
A. Provide step-by-step legal advice
B. Avoid giving legal advice and discuss the ethical implications
C. Encourage the client to act quickly
D. Report the client to law enforcement immediately
Rationale: Social workers should not provide legal advice; they can educate
clients about ethical and legal boundaries but should refer to appropriate legal
resources.
, 5. An LCSW suspects a colleague is misappropriating client funds. What is the
most appropriate first step?
A. Confront the colleague publicly
B. Ignore it to avoid conflict
C. Report the suspicion to the appropriate licensing board or supervisor
D. Attempt to recover the funds personally
Rationale: California BBS regulations require reporting unethical conduct.
Confronting or handling personally may compromise evidence or safety.
6. A client reveals a past sexual assault by a relative that occurred when the
client was 14. The client is now 22. Is this a mandated reporting situation?
A. No, because the abuse occurred more than 18 years ago
B. Yes, the LCSW must report immediately
C. Only if the relative is currently living with minors
D. Only if the client consents
Rationale: California Penal Code §11165.1 defines child abuse reporting for
current or recent abuse. Adults reporting past abuse after the age of majority are
not mandated reporters for historical cases.
7. A client reports suicidal thoughts but refuses hospitalization. Which is the
most appropriate LCSW intervention?
A. Respect autonomy and terminate therapy
B. Assess risk, develop a safety plan, and involve supports as necessary
C. Restrain the client physically
D. Ignore the disclosure and continue therapy
, Rationale: Ethical practice balances client autonomy with duty to protect. Safety
planning is standard before considering involuntary interventions.
8. A client expresses frustration about receiving mental health services covered
by insurance. Which principle best guides the LCSW’s response?
A. Fidelity
B. Justice
C. Beneficence
D. Autonomy
Rationale: The principle of justice relates to fairness and equitable access to
services, guiding the clinician in addressing systemic barriers.
9. An LCSW maintains a private practice and posts client testimonials online.
Which action aligns with ethical standards?
A. Do not post identifiable client information without consent
B. Post testimonials without restrictions
C. Use real client names for authenticity
D. Only post negative feedback to warn others
Rationale: NASW Code of Ethics prohibits disclosing identifying client
information without informed consent.
10.A client with severe depression asks the LCSW if medication would help.
How should the LCSW respond?
A. Prescribe medication
B. Provide psychoeducation and refer to a psychiatrist for evaluation
C. Ignore the question
D. Advise the client to self-medicate
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS (LCSW)
ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS AND WELL REVISED
ANSWERS - LATEST AND COMPLETE UPDATE WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS – ASSURED PASS
1. A client confides in an LCSW that they are considering harming themselves.
The client requests that the therapist not disclose this information to anyone.
What is the LCSW’s most appropriate action?
A. Respect the client’s request and maintain confidentiality
B. Encourage the client to develop a safety plan but do not disclose
C. Notify appropriate authorities and take steps to ensure client safety
D. Refer the client to another clinician without taking further action
Rationale: In California, the duty to protect the client and others overrides
confidentiality when there is a credible risk of harm (Tarasoff v. Regents of the
University of California). The LCSW must take appropriate steps to prevent
harm.
2. An LCSW receives a subpoena for a client’s records. The client has not
consented to disclosure. What should the LCSW do first?
A. Release the records immediately
B. Consult with legal counsel and review the scope of the subpoena
C. Inform the client that the records will be released regardless
D. Destroy the records to protect client confidentiality
,Rationale: Subpoenas require careful review; legal counsel can ensure
compliance with law while protecting client rights under HIPAA and California
law.
3. A 16-year-old client seeks therapy for substance use but does not want their
parents involved. Under California law, which is correct?
A. The therapist must always involve parents
B. The therapist should refuse services without parental consent
C. A minor of 12 or older may consent to mental health treatment for
substance use
D. Only if the minor has parental consent can therapy begin
Rationale: California Family Code §6929 allows minors aged 12+ to consent to
outpatient mental health services for drug or alcohol use without parental
consent.
4. During therapy, a client asks the LCSW for advice about evicting a tenant.
The LCSW knows the client is likely to take illegal action. What should the
LCSW do?
A. Provide step-by-step legal advice
B. Avoid giving legal advice and discuss the ethical implications
C. Encourage the client to act quickly
D. Report the client to law enforcement immediately
Rationale: Social workers should not provide legal advice; they can educate
clients about ethical and legal boundaries but should refer to appropriate legal
resources.
, 5. An LCSW suspects a colleague is misappropriating client funds. What is the
most appropriate first step?
A. Confront the colleague publicly
B. Ignore it to avoid conflict
C. Report the suspicion to the appropriate licensing board or supervisor
D. Attempt to recover the funds personally
Rationale: California BBS regulations require reporting unethical conduct.
Confronting or handling personally may compromise evidence or safety.
6. A client reveals a past sexual assault by a relative that occurred when the
client was 14. The client is now 22. Is this a mandated reporting situation?
A. No, because the abuse occurred more than 18 years ago
B. Yes, the LCSW must report immediately
C. Only if the relative is currently living with minors
D. Only if the client consents
Rationale: California Penal Code §11165.1 defines child abuse reporting for
current or recent abuse. Adults reporting past abuse after the age of majority are
not mandated reporters for historical cases.
7. A client reports suicidal thoughts but refuses hospitalization. Which is the
most appropriate LCSW intervention?
A. Respect autonomy and terminate therapy
B. Assess risk, develop a safety plan, and involve supports as necessary
C. Restrain the client physically
D. Ignore the disclosure and continue therapy
, Rationale: Ethical practice balances client autonomy with duty to protect. Safety
planning is standard before considering involuntary interventions.
8. A client expresses frustration about receiving mental health services covered
by insurance. Which principle best guides the LCSW’s response?
A. Fidelity
B. Justice
C. Beneficence
D. Autonomy
Rationale: The principle of justice relates to fairness and equitable access to
services, guiding the clinician in addressing systemic barriers.
9. An LCSW maintains a private practice and posts client testimonials online.
Which action aligns with ethical standards?
A. Do not post identifiable client information without consent
B. Post testimonials without restrictions
C. Use real client names for authenticity
D. Only post negative feedback to warn others
Rationale: NASW Code of Ethics prohibits disclosing identifying client
information without informed consent.
10.A client with severe depression asks the LCSW if medication would help.
How should the LCSW respond?
A. Prescribe medication
B. Provide psychoeducation and refer to a psychiatrist for evaluation
C. Ignore the question
D. Advise the client to self-medicate
