As you prepare for the ASWB exam, expect to see questions that test your ability to recognize not just when to start services—but when and how to ethically end them. Section 1.17 of the NASW Code of Ethics outlines the social worker’s responsibility to terminate thoughtfully, never abandon, and always put the client’s needs first—even at the close of the relationship.

Here’s the full standard:

1.17 Termination of Services
(a) Social workers should terminate services to clients and professional relationships with them when such services and relationships are no longer required or no longer serve the clients’ needs or interests.

(b) Social workers should take reasonable steps to avoid abandoning clients who are still in need of services. Social workers should withdraw services precipitously only under unusual circumstances, giving careful consideration to all factors in the situation and taking care to minimize possible adverse effects. Social workers should assist in making appropriate arrangements for continuation of services when necessary.

(c) Social workers in fee-for-service settings may terminate services to clients who are not paying an overdue balance if the financial contractual arrangements have been made clear to the client, if the client does not pose an imminent danger to self or others, and if the clinical and other consequences of the current nonpayment have been addressed and discussed with the client.

(d) Social workers should not terminate services to pursue a social, financial, or sexual relationship with a client.

(e) Social workers who anticipate the termination or interruption of services to clients should notify clients promptly and seek the transfer, referral, or continuation of services in relation to the clients’ needs and preferences.

(f) Social workers who are leaving an employment setting should inform clients of appropriate options for the continuation of services and of the benefits and risks of the options.

What It Means in Practice

Termination must be timely, transparent, and client-centered. Ethical social workers:

  • Know when to end services—and when not to

  • Avoid abandoning clients mid-need

  • Communicate clearly and early

  • Help clients transition to new care when needed

  • Never use termination as leverage for money, intimacy, or personal gain

Key Guidelines

  • Terminate when services are no longer helping—or no longer needed
  • Don’t leave clients midstream; minimize disruption and risk
  • In private practice, you may end services over nonpayment—but only after clear communication, no imminent risk, and attempts at resolution
  • Never end services to start a personal, financial, or romantic relationship
  • Give advance notice when ending or pausing services and offer referrals
  • If leaving your job, tell clients early and help them plan for next steps

Practice Question

Here's how this section of the code might look in an ASWB exam question:

A client has missed several payments and is now three months behind, despite multiple reminders. The client is not in crisis but has expressed ongoing need for support. What is the most ethical next step for the social worker to take?

A. Terminate services and send a letter noting the unpaid balance

B. Continue providing services regardless of payment

C. Review the financial agreement with the client and explore a referral, if appropriate

D. Require full payment before scheduling the next session

Termination for nonpayment is allowed only under specific conditions: a clear financial agreement, no imminent danger, and efforts to address the consequences with the client. The correct answer is C.

How to narrow it down:

  • A abrupt termination may seem punitive. Discussion should precede termination.

  • B may be unsustainable and ethically unclear if boundaries were set

  • D introduces a potential treatment disruption without first addressing alternatives or ethical obligations

Want to feel more confident answering questions like this from all content areas? SWTP’s full-length practice tests help you prepare for the licensing exam with real-world scenarios that mirror what you’ll see on test day.

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May 30, 2025
Categories :
  ethics  
  practice  
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