Question

A 15-year-old student meets with a social worker for an assessment due to concerns from her parents and teachers. For the past 3 months, the girl has been failing three of her classes, despite normally being a very good student. The girl says she feels worthless and doesn't enjoy the same things that she used to. Her teachers report that she is inattentive and appears to have lost weight. What should the social worker do FIRST?

A. Refer the client to a school psychologist to begin the IEP process.
B. Assess the client for substance abuse.
C. Evaluate the client for depression.
D. Refer the client to a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation.

Answer 1

The social worker should first evaluate the client for depression due to her symptoms of feeling worthless, losing interest in activities, being inattentive, and weight loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

The social worker should evaluate the client for depression first. This initial step is critical given the presenting symptoms - feeling worthless, loss of interest in usual activities, inattentiveness, and weight loss. These signs are often indicative of depression, and understanding the client's mental health status is essential before considering further referrals for psychological testing, substance abuse assessment, or medication.

Once an evaluation for depression is completed, the social worker can better determine the most appropriate course of action, which may include collaborating with school psychologists, psychiatrists, or other mental health professionals to support the student's well-being. It's important to approach the situation with empathy, maintain a focus on the student's safety, and establish a plan for immediate and long-term support.