California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics Exam 2026 - Free RDH Law and Ethics Practice Questions and Study Guide

The selected answer emphasizes the importance of considering both individual and family dynamics when addressing the treatment needs of a 14-year-old client who is withdrawn and uncommunicative. By discussing the risks and benefits of treating the family as a unit versus focusing solely on the individual client, the therapist can assess how each approach may impact the client's engagement in therapy and the overall family well-being.

This approach is particularly valuable because it encourages open dialogue about the family's concerns and their perceptions of the client’s behavior without imposing a specific treatment direction. It recognizes that family dynamics can significantly influence a young person's mental and emotional health. By evaluating these different perspectives, the therapist can tailor interventions that consider both the individual needs of the adolescent and the relational context of the family.

In contrast, explaining the family systems model may not provide immediate support or solutions for a family struggling with communication barriers, such as a withdrawn adolescent. Similarly, giving referrals or evaluating the mother's willingness to reframe the issue as a family problem does not directly facilitate understanding or dialogue during the initial stages of treatment. Thus, the strategy of discussing the treatment approach provides a more nuanced and inclusive framework, fostering cooperation and potentially improving the family’s engagement in the therapeutic process.