LMSW EXAM
Bootcamp
3 Areas to identify in each question (PPL) ans: 1. Problem
2. Person
3. Last Sentence (guide to answer question)
Key words ans: 1. Person/Client "hot seat"
2. SAFETY Red Flags - suicide, abuse, life-threatening, unexplained marks, alcohol, recent loss
3. Strong words/adjectives
4. Age
5. Diagnosis
6. Symptoms/Duration
7. Who are you?
8. Where are you in session?
9. Quotations
10. Direct requests/concerns
11. Qualifiers (First/Next/Best)
Distractors ans: FARM GRITS ROAD - Answers that look appealing at first glance but are often wrong -
ELIMINATE! Exam is here and now
DO NOT CHOOSE FARM GRITS ROAD ans: 1. FOCUS on unresolved issues/past
2. ADVICE - giving/judging
3. RECOMMEND "to a support group"
4. MAKE an appt.
5. GIVE pamphlets/literature
6. RECOMMEND a session
7. INFORM parents/speak to parents (when child/ado)
8. TERMINATE (Exceptions: Moving, client reaches goals/no new crisis, client does not pay)
9. SPEAK to supervisor (except transference/counter)
10. RESPECT self-determination (If mentally UNSTABLE)
11. OFFER contract as a reminder
12. ALLOW the clients to lead the session
13. DO nothing/say nothing
How do you answer first/next questions? ans: 90% of exam is SAFETY FIRST.
How does the exam want you to have a CLEAR understanding of client's issues? ans: ASSESS BEFORE
ACTION.
RUSAFE ans: 1. RULE out medical
,2. UNDER the influence/delusional/hallucinating Do Not Treat
3. SAVE Lives - Safety first (Answers: Duty to warn, report child/elder abuse, 911, mobile crisis, ER)
4. ASSESS before action - (Answers: ASSESS, ASK or DICE - Determine, Identify,Clarify, Explore)
5. FEELINGS - (Answers: ACKNOWLEDGE person's feelings) CONCERNS (AID ASSIST, INFORM client,
DISCUSS concerns)
6. EMPOWER - If client is mentally stable/alert (Answers: Respect client's decisions)
COE: Ethical responsibilities towards clients ans: 1. Client's best interests are primary
2. Respect/promote right to self-determination if client is mentally alert/stable, NOT
unstable/intoxicated/psychotic
3. Informed consent, written agreement by client to undergo treatment, risks/benefits/costs disclosed
4. Avoid conflicts of interest (Things that interfere with SW's impartial judgment/discretion)
5. DO NOT promote individual therapy sessions to ppl who have a relationship w/ each other (except
couples, family, group treatment) - Provide family members with appropriate referrals
6. Avoid dual/multiple relationships
7. Avoid bartering (unless common practice in community)
8. Obtain a professional translator FIRST if client does not speak the language of SW
9. Do not disclose client information w/out consent unless req'd by law
10. Provide client with reasonable access to records (First explore/discuss reason for request) Follow
laws of state.
11. Ensure CONTINUITY of services
12. NO relations with clients past or present
Mandated reporting ans: SW's are req'd and responsible for reporting any instances of abuse that is
suspected. Abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, CHILD AND ELDER ABUSE
Duty to Warn ans: SW's MUST WARN a threatened victim of any harm that his/her client may cause
when there is a REAL INTENT (PLAN)
HIV Decisions ans: NOT DUTY TO WARN! 3 options:
1. FIRST urge client to disclose to partner
2. FIRST encourage client to engage in safe sex
3. Research/follow state laws as needed
Subpoena by the court ans: SW may be req'd by law to disclose confidential information
COE: Ethical responsibilities to colleagues ans: 1. Refer to colleague who may be better trained in an
area than SW. SW can take client but must be COMPETENT.
2. When CONSULTING with colleague, disclose least amount of information
3. FIRST speak to a colleague to discourage/prevent/correct unethical behavior
4. AVOID relationships with colleagues (conflict of interest)
COE: Ethical responsibilities in practice settings ans: 1. Accurately document services in client's records
while keeping best interests in mind
2. Maintain records securely for a period of time consistent with state laws
COE: Ethical responsibilities as professionals ans: 1. MONITOR/EVALUATE policies and implementation
of programs
,2. ADVOCATE when necessary
HMO Insurance/Short term Care/MANAGED CARE ans: 1. Emphasizes short term, discourages long term
treatment
2. Cases assigned to case manager to whom provider must justify necessity for treatment for payment
and services.
3. More precise diagnosis = greater likelihood of reimbursement
4. Encourages Cognitive/Behavioral short term TX.
5. Contracts are INFLEXIBLE, abide by rules to receive reimbursement
Disorders in Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence ans: Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder,
Conduct Disorder, Enuresis, Separation Anxiety Disorder
Adult Disorders ans: Delirium, Dementia, Amnestic/Cognitive Disorders, Schizophrenia and other
Psychotic Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Somatoform Disorders, Factitious Disorders
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ans: 1. Symptoms at least 6 months
2. Inattentive: Difficulty focusing, staying on task follow-through, listening, easily distracted, loses things,
forgetful
3. Hyperactive: Impulsive, fidgeting, running around, talking excessively
4. Several symptoms present prior to age 12
5. Must occur in 2 or more settings
6.. Behaviors can increase/decrease based on settings.
7. TX: Behavior modification
Oppositional Defiant Disorder ans: At least 6 months - Angry, irritiable, defiant, talking back to adults,
rebellious behavior, attitude, blames others, cursing, lying
- NO SERIOUS VIOLATIONS OF OTHERS RIGHTS
a childhood disorder in which children are repeatedly argumentative and defiant, angry and irritable,
and in some cases, vindictive. Lasting at least 6 months
Conduct Disorder ans: 1. Violates other's rights, bullies, shoplifts, truancy, DX up to age 17
2. TX: Family, schools, community, client, parent/child behavior modificationq skills
a disorder that involves severe antisocial and aggressive behaviors that inflict pain on others or involve
destruction of property or denial of the rights of others. Has a childhood onset however it is more likely
to continue into adulthood. Adolescent onset less likely to display aggressive behaviors. Symptoms
occurred in the last year with at least one occurring in the last six months
Enuresis ans: 1. Repeatedly urinating during day/night
2. Up to 5 years old
3. Rule out medical first
involuntary discharge of urine, usually referring to a lack of bladder control
Repeated bed wetting, wetting clothes, wetting at least twice a week for approximately three months,
must be five years or older
, Separation Anxiety Disorder ans: 1. Excessive distress when separated from major attachment figures.
2. Clinging, school refusal, sleep refusal
3. School Phobia is a form of separation anxiety.
4. Brought on when leaving home/family members to attend school.
5. At least 1 month of symptoms
Impulse control disorders ans: Trichotillomania, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Gambling, Kleptomania,
Pyromania,
Dementia ans: 1. Slow onset
2. Deterioration of memory/cognition
3. Alzheimer's, HIV, Parkinson's
Amnestic Disorders ans: Memory impairment w/out cognitive impairment
Korsakoff's Syndrome ans: Chronic alcoholism causes inability to recall previously learned information
an amnestic disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin b1) deficiency associated with prolonged ingestion of
alcohol. Memory loss, lack of insight, apathy etc
Schizophrenia ans: 1. Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, disordered/catatonic behavior,
impaired thinking, negative symptoms (diminished emotional expression or avolition) THOUGHT
DISORDER
2. Duration at least 1 month, but more than 6 months
3. TX = Medication and ego-supportive therapy (No INSIGHT therapy!)
a psychological disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and/or
diminished, inappropriate emotional expression. This involves impairment in functioning and must be
longer 6 than months
Schizophreniform ans: 1. Same symptoms of schizophrenia
2. DURATION is at least 1 month, but less than six months
2. Triggered by turmoil/high stress
3. TX = Mediation and supportive therapy
A Psychotic disorder that exhibits the characteristics of schizophrenia but the duration is different. This
disorder episode last at least one month but less than six months
Delusional Disorder ans: 1. NON-BIZARRE/IRRATIONAL beliefs/delusions
2. Hallucinations absent or not prominent
3. Persecutory/Jealous Types of delusions
4. NO IMPAIRED FUNCTIONING
Brief Psychotic Disorder ans: 1. 1 Symptoms of criterion A Schizophrenia
2. DURATION LESS THAN 1 MONTH
Bootcamp
3 Areas to identify in each question (PPL) ans: 1. Problem
2. Person
3. Last Sentence (guide to answer question)
Key words ans: 1. Person/Client "hot seat"
2. SAFETY Red Flags - suicide, abuse, life-threatening, unexplained marks, alcohol, recent loss
3. Strong words/adjectives
4. Age
5. Diagnosis
6. Symptoms/Duration
7. Who are you?
8. Where are you in session?
9. Quotations
10. Direct requests/concerns
11. Qualifiers (First/Next/Best)
Distractors ans: FARM GRITS ROAD - Answers that look appealing at first glance but are often wrong -
ELIMINATE! Exam is here and now
DO NOT CHOOSE FARM GRITS ROAD ans: 1. FOCUS on unresolved issues/past
2. ADVICE - giving/judging
3. RECOMMEND "to a support group"
4. MAKE an appt.
5. GIVE pamphlets/literature
6. RECOMMEND a session
7. INFORM parents/speak to parents (when child/ado)
8. TERMINATE (Exceptions: Moving, client reaches goals/no new crisis, client does not pay)
9. SPEAK to supervisor (except transference/counter)
10. RESPECT self-determination (If mentally UNSTABLE)
11. OFFER contract as a reminder
12. ALLOW the clients to lead the session
13. DO nothing/say nothing
How do you answer first/next questions? ans: 90% of exam is SAFETY FIRST.
How does the exam want you to have a CLEAR understanding of client's issues? ans: ASSESS BEFORE
ACTION.
RUSAFE ans: 1. RULE out medical
,2. UNDER the influence/delusional/hallucinating Do Not Treat
3. SAVE Lives - Safety first (Answers: Duty to warn, report child/elder abuse, 911, mobile crisis, ER)
4. ASSESS before action - (Answers: ASSESS, ASK or DICE - Determine, Identify,Clarify, Explore)
5. FEELINGS - (Answers: ACKNOWLEDGE person's feelings) CONCERNS (AID ASSIST, INFORM client,
DISCUSS concerns)
6. EMPOWER - If client is mentally stable/alert (Answers: Respect client's decisions)
COE: Ethical responsibilities towards clients ans: 1. Client's best interests are primary
2. Respect/promote right to self-determination if client is mentally alert/stable, NOT
unstable/intoxicated/psychotic
3. Informed consent, written agreement by client to undergo treatment, risks/benefits/costs disclosed
4. Avoid conflicts of interest (Things that interfere with SW's impartial judgment/discretion)
5. DO NOT promote individual therapy sessions to ppl who have a relationship w/ each other (except
couples, family, group treatment) - Provide family members with appropriate referrals
6. Avoid dual/multiple relationships
7. Avoid bartering (unless common practice in community)
8. Obtain a professional translator FIRST if client does not speak the language of SW
9. Do not disclose client information w/out consent unless req'd by law
10. Provide client with reasonable access to records (First explore/discuss reason for request) Follow
laws of state.
11. Ensure CONTINUITY of services
12. NO relations with clients past or present
Mandated reporting ans: SW's are req'd and responsible for reporting any instances of abuse that is
suspected. Abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, CHILD AND ELDER ABUSE
Duty to Warn ans: SW's MUST WARN a threatened victim of any harm that his/her client may cause
when there is a REAL INTENT (PLAN)
HIV Decisions ans: NOT DUTY TO WARN! 3 options:
1. FIRST urge client to disclose to partner
2. FIRST encourage client to engage in safe sex
3. Research/follow state laws as needed
Subpoena by the court ans: SW may be req'd by law to disclose confidential information
COE: Ethical responsibilities to colleagues ans: 1. Refer to colleague who may be better trained in an
area than SW. SW can take client but must be COMPETENT.
2. When CONSULTING with colleague, disclose least amount of information
3. FIRST speak to a colleague to discourage/prevent/correct unethical behavior
4. AVOID relationships with colleagues (conflict of interest)
COE: Ethical responsibilities in practice settings ans: 1. Accurately document services in client's records
while keeping best interests in mind
2. Maintain records securely for a period of time consistent with state laws
COE: Ethical responsibilities as professionals ans: 1. MONITOR/EVALUATE policies and implementation
of programs
,2. ADVOCATE when necessary
HMO Insurance/Short term Care/MANAGED CARE ans: 1. Emphasizes short term, discourages long term
treatment
2. Cases assigned to case manager to whom provider must justify necessity for treatment for payment
and services.
3. More precise diagnosis = greater likelihood of reimbursement
4. Encourages Cognitive/Behavioral short term TX.
5. Contracts are INFLEXIBLE, abide by rules to receive reimbursement
Disorders in Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence ans: Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder,
Conduct Disorder, Enuresis, Separation Anxiety Disorder
Adult Disorders ans: Delirium, Dementia, Amnestic/Cognitive Disorders, Schizophrenia and other
Psychotic Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Somatoform Disorders, Factitious Disorders
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ans: 1. Symptoms at least 6 months
2. Inattentive: Difficulty focusing, staying on task follow-through, listening, easily distracted, loses things,
forgetful
3. Hyperactive: Impulsive, fidgeting, running around, talking excessively
4. Several symptoms present prior to age 12
5. Must occur in 2 or more settings
6.. Behaviors can increase/decrease based on settings.
7. TX: Behavior modification
Oppositional Defiant Disorder ans: At least 6 months - Angry, irritiable, defiant, talking back to adults,
rebellious behavior, attitude, blames others, cursing, lying
- NO SERIOUS VIOLATIONS OF OTHERS RIGHTS
a childhood disorder in which children are repeatedly argumentative and defiant, angry and irritable,
and in some cases, vindictive. Lasting at least 6 months
Conduct Disorder ans: 1. Violates other's rights, bullies, shoplifts, truancy, DX up to age 17
2. TX: Family, schools, community, client, parent/child behavior modificationq skills
a disorder that involves severe antisocial and aggressive behaviors that inflict pain on others or involve
destruction of property or denial of the rights of others. Has a childhood onset however it is more likely
to continue into adulthood. Adolescent onset less likely to display aggressive behaviors. Symptoms
occurred in the last year with at least one occurring in the last six months
Enuresis ans: 1. Repeatedly urinating during day/night
2. Up to 5 years old
3. Rule out medical first
involuntary discharge of urine, usually referring to a lack of bladder control
Repeated bed wetting, wetting clothes, wetting at least twice a week for approximately three months,
must be five years or older
, Separation Anxiety Disorder ans: 1. Excessive distress when separated from major attachment figures.
2. Clinging, school refusal, sleep refusal
3. School Phobia is a form of separation anxiety.
4. Brought on when leaving home/family members to attend school.
5. At least 1 month of symptoms
Impulse control disorders ans: Trichotillomania, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Gambling, Kleptomania,
Pyromania,
Dementia ans: 1. Slow onset
2. Deterioration of memory/cognition
3. Alzheimer's, HIV, Parkinson's
Amnestic Disorders ans: Memory impairment w/out cognitive impairment
Korsakoff's Syndrome ans: Chronic alcoholism causes inability to recall previously learned information
an amnestic disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin b1) deficiency associated with prolonged ingestion of
alcohol. Memory loss, lack of insight, apathy etc
Schizophrenia ans: 1. Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, disordered/catatonic behavior,
impaired thinking, negative symptoms (diminished emotional expression or avolition) THOUGHT
DISORDER
2. Duration at least 1 month, but more than 6 months
3. TX = Medication and ego-supportive therapy (No INSIGHT therapy!)
a psychological disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and/or
diminished, inappropriate emotional expression. This involves impairment in functioning and must be
longer 6 than months
Schizophreniform ans: 1. Same symptoms of schizophrenia
2. DURATION is at least 1 month, but less than six months
2. Triggered by turmoil/high stress
3. TX = Mediation and supportive therapy
A Psychotic disorder that exhibits the characteristics of schizophrenia but the duration is different. This
disorder episode last at least one month but less than six months
Delusional Disorder ans: 1. NON-BIZARRE/IRRATIONAL beliefs/delusions
2. Hallucinations absent or not prominent
3. Persecutory/Jealous Types of delusions
4. NO IMPAIRED FUNCTIONING
Brief Psychotic Disorder ans: 1. 1 Symptoms of criterion A Schizophrenia
2. DURATION LESS THAN 1 MONTH
