How should a social worker coordinate care with a client on antidepressants?

• A. Monitor mood symptoms, side effects, medication adherence, drug interactions; communicate with prescriber; support safety planning; clarify non-pharmacological interventions; avoid providing medical dosing.
• B. Provide medical dosing adjustments.
• C. Prescribe antidepressants.
• D. Stop therapy until meds are adjusted.

Answer: (A)

Coordinating care with antidepressants relies on a collaborative, ongoing monitoring approach. The social worker serves as the bridge between the client and the prescriber, tracking how the client responds to medication and how any side effects or barriers to adherence might affect overall functioning. By regularly observing mood symptoms, potential side effects, medication adherence, and possible drug interactions, the worker can provide timely information to the prescriber to inform treatment decisions. At the same time, support for safety planning is essential, helping the client manage risk, reduce distress, and develop coping strategies. Clarifying non-pharmacological interventions ensures the client receives a comprehensive plan that includes therapy, psychoeducation, sleep hygiene, lifestyle changes, or other supports alongside medication. Importantly, the social worker stays within their professional scope by avoiding medical dosing or changes to medication themselves, leaving dosing decisions to the prescriber. This approach preserves safety, maintains continuity of care, and optimizes treatment outcomes.