Question

A social worker discovers that a newly referred client is currently in individual therapy with another therapist. Before accepting this client for individual therapy, the social worker should FIRST:

A. ask what the other therapist has recommended and continue with that approach
B. get a release of information and consult with the other therapist
C. define another area to work on and set other goals
D. advise the client to discuss the change with the other therapist

Answer 1

The first step for a social worker when discovering a client is already in therapy is to get a release of information and consult with the existing therapist.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a social worker discovers that a newly referred client is currently in individual therapy with another therapist, the first action should be to get a release of information and consult with the other therapist. This ensures that care is coordinated, ethical standards are maintained, and the client's best interests are prioritized. The social worker should respect the existing therapeutic relationship and confirm if there is an identified need for additional or supplemental therapy before proceeding.