Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

In which setting are open groups typically most appropriate?

1. School settings

2. Psychiatric hospitals

3. Private practice

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Psychiatric hospitals

Open groups are typically most appropriate in settings where the group dynamics can accommodate new members joining and leaving at different times. This type of group structure is often found in environments like psychiatric hospitals where clients may have varying lengths of stay, and ongoing engagement can be beneficial. In this context, open groups allow for fluid participation, fostering peer support among members who may be experiencing similar challenges, which can be particularly therapeutic in a clinical setting. In contrast, school settings and private practice often benefit more from closed groups. School groups usually aim for stability and consistency among participants, and a closed format allows for a structured environment where students can build relationships and feel a sense of security with their peers. Similarly, in private practice, closed groups are often preferred because they enable deeper exploration of issues as the participants build trust over time. Thus, while open groups might have some utility in all settings, their primary effectiveness and relevance are seen in places like psychiatric hospitals, making that the most appropriate choice.