Exam Prep

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 through the end of this year. Be sure to check out our first two blogs covering these changes: 1 and 2. This month’s update covers the newly reinstated diagnosis of unspecified mood disorder. What is unspecified mood disorder? Unspecified mood disorder is a diagnostic category for mood disorders that do

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 for your social work exams. TDC’s DSM materials will be updated later this fall to ensure those of you preparing for exams in 2024 will be ready for the TR content. This month we are diving a little deeper into a new diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR: Prolonged grief disorder. Why the new diagnosis for

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 you're taking the exam this year or next. Later this year, TDC will update our LMSW and LCSW content to reflect these changes. Rest assured, whether you are taking the test this year or in 2024, we will give you everything you need to be well prepared to pass your exam with confidence. The primary

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 boundaries. Some dual relationships are prohibited and others are unavoidable. All of them, however, require the therapist’s careful consideration. Dual relationships with clients (or current supervisees) that are prohibited include sexual relationships; becoming personal friends; therapeutically

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.

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 specific steps of action the BBS expects clinicians to take to help resolve the violation. On the law and ethics exam, you’ll most likely see issues with colleagues show up in one or two ways. You may be tested on questions regarding colleagues who engage in sexual relations with their clients, or you

Last month’s blog focused on the differences between adoption dissolution and adoption disruption. We offered a FREE ASWB practice question on this topic to prepare you for your LMSW or LCSW exam. Last month’s blog feature a recall question. This month, we are back with a reasoning based question on this topic. Adoption Disruption vs. Dissolution: First, here is a quick review of the difference between these two things: An adoption disruption is when an adoption is terminated before it is legally finalized. An adoption dissolution is when an adoption is terminated after it is legally finalized

Adoption Dissolution vs. Disruption Adoption dissolution refers to the the ending of an adoption after it has been legally finalized. If the end of the adoption takes place before the adoption is legally finalized, this is considered a disruption. For example, if a person is in the final stages of adopting a child and decides to not go through with the adoption, this would be considered an adoption disruption. However, if the adoption has been legally finalized and has to be terminated, this is known as dissolution. Why do Adoption Dissolutions Occur? Adoption dissolution is rare. This is an

This month, we’re tackling the topic of duty to protect as it relates to the 1976 Tarasoff ruling by the California Supreme Court. If you’re a new therapist and you can’t remember the protocol for Tarasoff situations, you’re not alone. Most associates have little to no professional experience with clients who are a danger to others, which can often lead to confusion around a therapist’s legal responsibilities, particularly on the CA law and ethics exam. And that’s where we come in. Here are the primary ways the BBS will evaluate your understanding of Tarasoff on the test: How to assess for

The way psychotherapy concludes with a client can be a vital aspect of healing. This final stage of counseling, clinically referred to as “termination,” typically indicates when a client will transition to another clinician, take a prolonged break, or no longer receive therapy. An ideal termination phase is often viewed as a time to consolidate client goals and achievements, highlight strengths, anticipate future obstacles, and review coping mechanisms to maintain growth. When done well, a termination centers the client’s wellbeing, preserves therapeutic integrity, and can even provide a