Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

Which element is not typically included in a client assessment by a social worker?

1. A physical description of the client

2. A formal diagnosis

3. How the client relates to the worker

4. The client's goals for the treatment

The correct answer is: The client's goals for the treatment

The element that is not typically included in a client assessment by a social worker is related to the formal diagnosis. While it is essential for social workers to gather a wide array of information about a client's situation, including how they relate to the worker, their physical description, and particularly their goals for treatment, a formal diagnosis is typically outside the social worker's scope of practice unless they have specific training and credentials relevant to mental health assessment. In some contexts, formal diagnoses are made by licensed professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists, who utilize standardized diagnostic tools and criteria (like the DSM-5) to assess mental health disorders. Social workers often focus more on the functional aspects of a client's life and their treatment goals rather than assigning a diagnosis. By heavily emphasizing the client's goals for treatment, social workers can develop interventions that are tailored to the client’s unique needs and aspirations, promoting a more collaborative approach to care. This process aligns them with client-centered practices that prioritize the client's voice and participation in their own treatment planning.