Which statement best describes primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention in clinical social work?

• A. Primary: early detection; Secondary: relapse prevention; Tertiary: prevention before problems occur.
• B. Primary prevention prevents problems before they occur; Secondary prevention early detection and intervention; Tertiary prevention reduces impact and prevents recurrence.
• C. Primary: pharmacotherapy; Secondary: psychotherapy; Tertiary: case management.
• D. Primary: diagnosing; Secondary: treatment; Tertiary: discharge planning.

Answer: (B)

Prevention has three levels that guide how we intervene before problems fully take hold or after they’ve begun, shaping how we use efforts in social work practice. Primary prevention aims to stop problems from happening in the first place by reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors across individuals, families, and communities. Secondary prevention focuses on detecting problems early and intervening promptly to halt their progression and minimize harm. Tertiary prevention works after a problem is established to lessen its impact, improve functioning, and prevent relapse or recurrence.

That makes the statement describing primary prevention as preventing problems before they occur, secondary prevention as early detection and intervention, and tertiary prevention as reducing impact and preventing recurrence the best fit. For example, public education and universal supports are primary; a routine screen and brief intervention for depression in primary care are secondary; and rehabilitation and relapse-prevention strategies after an illness or disorder are tertiary. Other options mix prevention levels with treatment approaches (pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, case management) or with clinical processes (diagnosing, discharge planning), which don’t align with the prevention framework.