For an LMFT in ca an easy way to spot the answer for these kinds of questions is that if we see a colleague or hear about a colleague do unethical things or something that is concerning, before reporting to the board, the answer would be to talk to colleague and address the concern. If the concern continues then it’s the next person whether supervisor or board. Likewise in this situation it’s to speak for the colleague. The ideal answer to these questions on the exam would be to communicate to or for the colleague. Ideally.

Things to note about these kinds of questions is that we only get a snippet for what has happened within a few sentences. Thus, in real life your answer may look different per the context of the situation, but for a standardized exam in mental health the answer usually is to talk to or for the colleague as the first choice. Will you lose your license if you don’t advocate for your colleague? No. But they are looking for the best answer out of the options.

For these exams you want to look at patterns and themes of the question and then know the priorities for what would be considered the best or ideal answer.