When a client with schizophrenia begins to hallucinate, the social worker's most appropriate response is to...

When a client with schizophrenia begins to hallucinate, the social worker's most appropriate response is to...

• A. stop therapy
• B. encourage self-reflection only
• C. continue to provide ego support and refer the client to a psychiatrist for medication.
• D. dismiss symptoms

Answer: (C)

When a client with schizophrenia experiences hallucinations, the most effective approach is to maintain supportive therapy while connecting the client with medical treatment. Hallucinations are a symptom best addressed with appropriate psychiatric medication, and psychosocial support helps the client cope with distress, stay engaged in care, and function more effectively. The social worker should validate the experience, remain nonjudgmental, and avoid arguing about the reality of the hallucination, while actively coordinating with a psychiatrist to evaluate and manage possible medication. This combination—ongoing ego support plus referral for medical management—helps reduce symptoms, supports safety, and maintains the therapeutic alliance. Stopping therapy, dismissing symptoms, or focusing solely on self-reflection would neglect the biological basis of the illness and undermine treatment.

When a client with schizophrenia experiences hallucinations, the most effective approach is to maintain supportive therapy while connecting the client with medical treatment. Hallucinations are a symptom best addressed with appropriate psychiatric medication, and psychosocial support helps the client cope with distress, stay engaged in care, and function more effectively. The social worker should validate the experience, remain nonjudgmental, and avoid arguing about the reality of the hallucination, while actively coordinating with a psychiatrist to evaluate and manage possible medication. This combination—ongoing ego support plus referral for medical management—helps reduce symptoms, supports safety, and maintains the therapeutic alliance. Stopping therapy, dismissing symptoms, or focusing solely on self-reflection would neglect the biological basis of the illness and undermine treatment.