Initially, treatment with Mrs. Taylor would involve which of the following?

• A. Exploring her feelings about her personal and family situation.
• B. Providing psychoeducation on alcoholism.
• C. Administering antidepressants.
• D. Conducting a behavioral assessment of her husband.

Answer: (A)

Engagement and assessment in the first contact focus on understanding the client’s perspective and building rapport. Inviting Mrs. Taylor to talk about her feelings regarding her personal and family situation helps you hear what’s most distressing to her, what her goals are, and how the situation is affecting her daily life. This foundation guides all later steps, such as what to address first, what resources might help, and what kind of support she needs.

Psychoeducation about alcoholism tends to follow once the issue is identified and the client is ready to receive information. Administering antidepressants isn’t something a social worker would do in a first session, since prescribing medications requires a licensed clinician. A behavioral assessment of her husband would also be inappropriate as the initial focus; the emphasis should stay on her experiences and how the family dynamics are affecting her, unless consent and a broader assessment plan involve both parties.