Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

What is the most appropriate recommendation for Mr. and Mrs. Williams after their referral to a service agency?

1. Refer them to a psychiatric clinic for possible medication and long-term therapy

2. Suggest they attend couple's therapy sessions

3. Advise them to engage in individual counseling

4. Encourage self-help group participation

The correct answer is: Refer them to a psychiatric clinic for possible medication and long-term therapy

When considering the most appropriate recommendation for Mr. and Mrs. Williams after their referral to a service agency, it is essential to focus on a comprehensive approach that addresses their needs as a couple. Referring them to a psychiatric clinic for possible medication and long-term therapy can be particularly beneficial if they are experiencing significant mental health issues that require clinical intervention. This approach allows trained professionals to assess their situation thoroughly and determine if medication is needed to stabilize any psychological symptoms, while also offering the potential for long-term therapy to address underlying issues more deeply. In contrast, suggesting couple's therapy sessions could be inadequate if there are individual mental health conditions affecting both partners. While couple's therapy can be effective for relational issues, without addressing potential psychiatric concerns, it might not resolve the underlying problems effectively. Advising individual counseling might overlook the relational dynamics that need to be addressed as a couple. It focuses solely on individual issues, which may neglect the couple’s interactions and shared experiences. Encouraging participation in self-help groups could be supportive in promoting resilience and facilitating community support, but it may not provide the structured intervention that is necessary for those who are struggling more profoundly with mental health challenges. Thus, the recommendation to refer Mr. and Mrs. Williams to a psychiatric clinic