LMSW Practice Test

A major difference between clinical social work and psychiatry is

1. the ability to prescribe medications

2. the focus on intrapsychic issues

3. the use of nonverbal techniques

4. the use of verbal techniques

The correct answer is: the ability to prescribe medications

The distinction between clinical social work and psychiatry is primarily centered around the ability to prescribe medications. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and residency training in psychiatry, allowing them to diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe psychiatric medications as part of a treatment plan. In contrast, clinical social workers focus on providing therapy and support but do not have the authority to prescribe medications. The other options reflect varying aspects of therapeutic practice. The focus on intrapsychic issues, nonverbal techniques, and verbal techniques can be utilized by both clinical social workers and psychiatrists, though they may approach these areas differently based on their training and perspective. However, the ability to prescribe medications distinctly separates psychiatrists from clinical social workers, making it the primary difference between the two professions.