A White-identified client expresses discomfort with being assigned a Black social worker. What is the most ethical action?

A White-identified client expresses discomfort with being assigned a Black social worker. What is the most ethical action?

• A. Let the client choose any worker regardless of race
• B. Assign the client to a social worker who identifies as White
• C. Respect the client's preference and assign a Black social worker
• D. Provide bilingual services

Answer: (B)

When a client expresses discomfort with the race of the worker, the ethical move is to honor the client’s stated preference in order to support engagement, trust, and effective helping. Respecting self-determination means meeting the client where they are and removing barriers to treatment; if a White-identifying social worker is available and can meet the client’s needs, assigning that match helps create a safer space for the client to participate openly and work toward goals. This approach recognizes that the therapeutic relationship is a key predictor of success, and comfort with the provider’s identity can significantly affect rapport and openness. The other options miss this opportunity to facilitate engagement or address the client’s expressed concern. Allowing any worker regardless of race ignores the client’s discomfort and can hinder rapport. Assigning a worker who identifies as Black contradicts the client’s preference and could undermine their willingness to engage. Providing bilingual services addresses language needs rather than race or cultural comfort in this specific scenario.

When a client expresses discomfort with the race of the worker, the ethical move is to honor the client’s stated preference in order to support engagement, trust, and effective helping. Respecting self-determination means meeting the client where they are and removing barriers to treatment; if a White-identifying social worker is available and can meet the client’s needs, assigning that match helps create a safer space for the client to participate openly and work toward goals. This approach recognizes that the therapeutic relationship is a key predictor of success, and comfort with the provider’s identity can significantly affect rapport and openness.

The other options miss this opportunity to facilitate engagement or address the client’s expressed concern. Allowing any worker regardless of race ignores the client’s discomfort and can hinder rapport. Assigning a worker who identifies as Black contradicts the client’s preference and could undermine their willingness to engage. Providing bilingual services addresses language needs rather than race or cultural comfort in this specific scenario.