Exam Prep Blog

DSM-5-TR Stimulant-Induced Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

Beginning next month (can you believe it’s almost 2024?!) the ASWB will begin testing the DSM-5-TR. The past several months, we’ve been covering these updates. And, of course, all of our programs are up to date with the DSM-5-TR materials. Today’s blog covers Stimulant-Induced Mild Neurocognitive Read More

Help! When Does a Therapist Consult versus Refer Out?

We’re back with part two of our new blog series in which you ask and we answer your most popular questions related to the CA law and ethics exam. On today’s docket, we’re going to take a closer look at when therapists are expected to consult versus refer out, according to the BBS. Here’s a simple Read More

DSM-5 TR Update: Suicidal Behavior and Non-Suicidal self-Injury T and Z Codes

Beginning in January 2024, the ASWB will begin testing the current version of the DSM: the DSM-5-TR released in 2022. The past several months we’ve been covering these changes, and will continue doing so through the end of 2023. This month we look at the new T and Z codes for suicidal behavior and Read More

Help! What’s the Difference Between Privilege vs Confidentiality in Therapy?

You asked, we answered! This month, we’re launching a new series addressing commonly asked questions we receive from associates who are studying for the California law and ethics exam. One of the most requested topics centers around client information – namely, the confusion between privilege and Read More

Amanda Rowan Presenting at NASW-CA Conference!

We’re thrilled to announce Amanda Rowan is presenting at the NASW-CA Annual Conference later this month, October 20-21, in Burbank, California. Together, you’ll take a deep dive into the Edge of Life Model: Introduction to Treating Suicidality. Imagine sitting on the literal Edge of Life with your Read More

DSM-5-TR: Reinstating Unspecified Mood Disorder

Over the past couple months, our social work blog has focused on the DSM-5-TR changes. The ASWB will begin testing the DSM-5-TR in January of 2024. Because we want you to be fully prepared, we're taking each of the major updates and reviewing them one at a time in our monthly social work blogs Read More

ASWB Exam: Prolonged Grief Disorder

Prolonged grief disorder Beginning January 2024, the ASWB exams will begin testing the DSM-5-TR (which was released in March of 2022). As we mentioned in last month’s blog reviewing the overall changes, the updates are relatively minor and shouldn’t be a cause for concern for those of you preparing Read More

ASWB Exam Administration Changes

Last month, the ASWB announced they will no longer use Pearson test centers and will switch to PSI testing centers in 2024. Why the Change? ASWB announced two main reasons for the change. The first being values and the second being a remote testing option. The ASWB shared that PSI better aligns with Read More

DSM-5-TR Changes for the ASWB Exams

DSM-5-TR The DSM-5-TR was released in March of 2022, and beginning in January 2024, the ASWB exams will begin testing the TR version of the DSM-5. (Through 2023, they will continue testing the DSM-5). Thankfully, the changes are relatively minor and shouldn’t cause any panic for test takers whether

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Law & Ethics Exam Prep: Dual Relationships

Today’s law and ethics exam prep topic deals with dual relationships. Dual relationships are an ethical issue in which there are two or more relationships in play at the same time between a client and a therapist, or a supervisor and a pre-licensed trainee/associate that may cause a blurring of Read More

ASWB Exam Prep: Animal Abuse Reporting

As social workers, how do we respond to animal abuse? Are we required to maintain confidentiality, or are we mandated to report? Find out in today's ASWB blog for the LMSW and LCSW exams.

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Law & Ethics Exam Prep: Issues with Colleagues

Whether therapists operate in group collectives, a hospital setting, or private practice, each of us are connected within a broader mental health community that’s upheld by supporting and regulating each other. If a colleague significantly transgresses the laws or ethics of the field, there are Read More