A client has made substantial progress in treatment and has achieved all established goals. When the social worker speaks to the client about discharge, the client states that he does not want to stop seeing the social worker because he is worried about his future needs. As there are no additional treatment goals, the social worker agrees to see the client pro bono for the next 6 months or until the client feels comfortable. The social worker’s actions are _________.

The NASW Code of Ethics states that it is unethical to continue to treat clients when services are no longer needed. The waiving of cost associated for this treatment is not relevant. Continuing to see the client with no treatment goals is not in the client’s best interest. The social worker should have addressed the client’s apprehension and nervousness about termination. Central to the termination process is working with the client to anticipate future needs and how to address them. Continuing to see him “just in case” does not assist the client to be autonomous and to practice, on his own, coping skills that he has attained during treatment.