Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What is the best course of action for an addictions counselor when a client cannot perform sexually?

1. Make a referral to a psychiatrist

2. Make a referral to a mental health professional

3. Make a referral to a medical doctor

4. Make a referral to a sex therapist

The correct answer is: Make a referral to a medical doctor

The best course of action is to make a referral to a medical doctor because sexual dysfunction can often have underlying medical causes. This includes conditions such as hormonal imbalances, side effects from medications, or other physical health issues that could affect sexual performance. A medical doctor is equipped to conduct the necessary assessments, including physical examinations and lab tests, to determine if there is a medical condition contributing to the client's sexual difficulties. While mental health professionals, sex therapists, and psychiatrists may address issues related to sexual dysfunction from psychological perspectives, they do not typically perform the medical evaluations required to rule out or address any physical health concerns. Therefore, starting with a medical doctor allows for a comprehensive approach to the client's health and increases the likelihood of an effective intervention. Once medical issues are assessed and managed, the client could then be referred to other specialists if needed, depending on the outcome of the medical evaluation.