Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

In counseling, what is the primary goal when working with a patient exhibiting suicidal thoughts?

1. Establishing a rapport

2. Determining immediate safety risks

3. Gathering extensive background history

4. Setting long-term treatment objectives

The correct answer is: Determining immediate safety risks

The primary goal when working with a patient exhibiting suicidal thoughts is to determine immediate safety risks. This focus is essential because the safety of the client is the top priority in any counseling context when there's a risk of self-harm. Evaluating immediate safety helps the counselor to identify the level of risk the patient is experiencing and to take appropriate actions to prevent potential harm. This includes assessing the severity of suicidal ideation, any previous attempts, access to means, and the presence of protective factors. While establishing rapport, gathering background history, and setting long-term treatment objectives are important steps in the counseling process, they are secondary to ensuring that the client is safe in the moment. Building trust and understanding the client's history can be critical in later stages of treatment but must not overshadow the urgent need to mitigate immediate risks associated with suicidal thoughts. Focusing on safety allows for more effective intervention strategies and helps create a supportive environment in which other therapeutic objectives can be pursued.