NCMHCE Readiness Quiz

10 questions across the four clinical domains tested on the NCMHCE: assessment, diagnosis, ethics, risk, and treatment planning. Takes about 5 minutes. No signup required.

1. Q1 · Assessment

   A new client reports two weeks of low mood, anhedonia, and 12-pound unintentional weight loss. Your FIRST clinical priority is to:

   Begin CBT for depressionConduct a thorough suicide risk assessmentRefer to psychiatry for medicationAdminister a PHQ-9 and reschedule

2. Q2 · Diagnosis

   A client meets criteria for both PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The DSM-5-TR convention is to:

   Diagnose only the primary disorderList both, with the principal diagnosis firstDefer the second diagnosis 6 monthsDiagnose Adjustment Disorder instead

3. Q3 · Ethics

   A 16-year-old client tells you they're being physically abused by a parent. You must:

   Get the client's consent before reportingWait until you have corroborating evidenceReport to child protective services immediatelyDiscuss with the parent first

4. Q4 · Risk

   A client with chronic suicidal ideation now reports a plan, means, and timeline. The MOST appropriate action is:

   Increase session frequency to twice weeklyCreate a safety plan and continue outpatientArrange immediate psychiatric evaluation for possible hospitalizationContact the client's family for support

5. Q5 · Treatment Planning

   For a client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the strongest evidence base supports:

   Psychodynamic therapyCognitive Behavioral TherapySolution-Focused Brief TherapyNarrative therapy

6. Q6 · Ethics

   A former client (terminated 1 year ago) asks you on a date. ACA Code of Ethics says you must wait:

   1 year from termination2 years from termination5 years from terminationRomantic relationships are permitted post-termination

7. Q7 · Assessment

   The BEST initial tool to differentiate dementia from depression in an older adult is:

   MMSE aloneGeriatric Depression Scale combined with cognitive screeningBeck Depression InventoryMMPI-2

8. Q8 · Diagnosis

   Hypomanic episodes lasting at least 4 days plus a history of MDE without ever meeting full mania criteria indicates:

   Bipolar IBipolar IICyclothymiaDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

9. Q9 · Treatment Planning

   For early-phase trauma treatment, the consensus first step (Phase 1) is:

   Trauma narrativeEMDR processingSafety and stabilizationCognitive restructuring of trauma beliefs

10. Q10 · Ethics

    A subpoena arrives demanding a client's records. You should FIRST:

    Release the records immediately — subpoenas are court ordersConsult legal counsel and notify the client before respondingIgnore itRelease only the diagnosis

This quiz is an informal indicator, not a substitute for full-length NCMHCE simulation practice. The real exam uses case-based simulations, not standalone multiple-choice items. See how the full practice exam works.