During the working phase, which approach best supports involving family or community supports?

• A. Discussing family members' mental health history.
• B. Involve only the client and avoid discussing family.
• C. Asking if the client wants to involve family or community supports in care.
• D. Assuring the client that family involvement is not helpful.

Answer: (C)

In the working phase, care revolves around collaborative planning with the client and their chosen support system. Asking the client if they want to involve family or community supports in their care is the best approach because it respects the client’s autonomy and preferences, ensures consent and confidentiality, and sets up a partnership for support. When the client agrees, you can thoughtfully involve those supports to bolster coping, adherence, and safety; if they don’t want involvement, their choice is honored and you continue to work with the client on their preferred supports.

Discussing family mental health history without clear consent or purpose can breach privacy and isn’t about arranging supports. Including only the client and avoiding family limits potential resources and undermines a collaborative approach. Reassuring the client that family involvement isn’t helpful dismisses a potentially valuable source of support and contradicts person-centered care.