Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

What should a social worker do if they receive a call about a client contemplating suicide?

1. Keep talking until morning arrangements can be made

2. Send a crisis worker immediately or suggest the hospital

3. Tell him no one is available and to call back

4. Tell him to go to a mental health agency in the morning

The correct answer is: Send a crisis worker immediately or suggest the hospital

When a social worker receives a call about a client contemplating suicide, the most appropriate action is to send a crisis worker immediately or suggest the hospital. This response is crucial because it prioritizes the immediate safety of the client, who may be in a vulnerable state. In situations involving suicidal ideation, time is of the essence, and immediate intervention is often necessary to prevent self-harm. By involving a crisis worker or directing the client to a hospital, the social worker ensures that the client receives professional help promptly. This action demonstrates an understanding of the urgency of mental health crises and shows a commitment to protecting the client's well-being. Options that suggest postponing action, such as waiting until morning arrangements can be made or telling the client to contact a mental health agency later, do not adequately address the immediate risks involved in the situation. These alternatives could leave the client in a precarious position without the necessary support or intervention, thereby failing to uphold the duty of care that social workers have toward clients in crisis.