Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

A school social worker sees a 15-year-old named Susie who is resistant to treatment. What is the most likely recommendation?

1. Long-term therapy

2. Short-term trial treatment

3. Crisis intervention

4. Family therapy

The correct answer is: Short-term trial treatment

The recommendation of a short-term trial treatment is particularly suitable for Susie, who is identified as resistant to treatment. Adolescents often exhibit varying degrees of resistance, and implementing a short-term intervention can provide a more manageable and less overwhelming approach for them. This type of treatment allows the social worker to engage with Susie in a way that is less intimidating, fostering a sense of safety and openness that can help build rapport without requiring a long-term commitment right away. Additionally, short-term trial treatment can serve as a way to gauge Susie's responsiveness to therapeutic processes and establish a baseline of her needs and concerns. It can help in identifying any immediate issues that may need to be addressed while allowing for flexibility in the treatment approach. Since long-term therapy might feel daunting to a resistant teenager, and crisis intervention typically addresses immediate and acute situations, these options may not align as well with Susie's current state. Family therapy could also be beneficial, but it typically requires the participation and buy-in from family members, which may not be feasible if Susie is resistant to treatment altogether. Hence, short-term trial treatment emerges as the most appropriate initial recommendation.