From Assessment to Termination: MSW Case Examples That Prepare You for the Real World of Social Work

Preparing for a career as a Master of Social Work (MSW) professional involves more than just mastering theory. You need to be prepared for the full counseling process—from intake and assessment through to goal-setting, intervention, and ultimately, termination. Whether you’re studying for your licensing exam or gaining fieldwork experience, understanding how these phases connect is key to client success and your professional confidence.

Below, we walk through a few real-world-inspired MSW case examples that follow the full scope of client engagement. Utilize these resources to enhance your understanding of best practices, common challenges, and ethical considerations throughout the therapeutic process.

3 MSW Case Scenarios–From Assessment to Termination

MSW Case Example 1: Managing Anxiety in a College Student

  • Client: Brianna, 20, college sophomore
  • Presenting Problem: Panic attacks during exams
  • Assessment: Brianna reports increasing anxiety, sleep disturbances, and avoidance of academic settings. The counselor uses a biopsychosocial model to explore her mental health history, academic stressors, family support, and coping mechanisms.
  • Treatment Planning: Establish SMART goals: reduce panic episodes by 50% in 8 weeks, learn two grounding techniques, and attend campus counseling support groups.
  • Intervention: CBT techniques, psychoeducation about anxiety, and relaxation exercises like diaphragmatic breathing. Regular check-ins to assess progress.
  • Termination: After three months of consistent progress, Brianna reports fewer panic attacks and improved test performance. Counselor and client review achievements, discuss relapse prevention, and plan for continued support via peer groups.

MSW Case Example 2: Supporting a Domestic Violence Survivor

  • Client: Maria, 34, mother of two
  • Presenting Problem: Emotional trauma after leaving an abusive relationship
  • Assessment: Through trauma-informed care, the MSW identifies PTSD symptoms, safety concerns, and housing instability. Cultural and language considerations are also documented.
  • Treatment Planning: Safety planning, weekly therapy sessions, legal advocacy, and referrals for transitional housing and childcare support.
  • Intervention: Narrative therapy to process trauma, empowerment-focused goal setting, and coordination with community agencies.
  • Termination: After six months, Maria secures independent housing and stable employment. Therapy concludes with a focus on resilience, empowerment, and long-term access to resources.

MSW Case Example 3: Helping a Teen Navigate Identity and Depression

  • Client: Jordan, 16, high school student
  • Presenting Problem: Depression symptoms and struggles with gender identity
  • Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation includes depression inventory, school performance, family dynamics, and identity exploration.
  • Treatment Planning: Goals include reducing depressive symptoms, building coping skills, and connecting with affirming peer groups.
  • Intervention: Affirmative therapy, family counseling, and collaboration with school counselors.
  • Termination: With symptoms significantly reduced and a stronger support network in place, Jordan graduates from counseling with a clear plan for continued mental health maintenance.

These case examples reflect the full scope of the MSW counseling process—from assessment to termination. Practicing with examples helps you prepare for real-life complexities and supports your success on exam day.

Whether you’re prepping for your case management practicum or studying for your licensure, use these examples to sharpen your critical thinking and client-centered care skills.

Why These Case Scenarios Matter for MSW Prep

Pocket Prep’s ASWB MSW Exam Prep offers scenario-based practice designed specifically for Master’s-level competencies. Engage with diverse question formats, including direct practice scenarios and timed mock exams, to strengthen your critical thinking and test-day readiness. Start preparing for the ASWB MSW exam with confidence.