The tertiary group is more likely to deal with which scenario?

• A. The tertiary group is less likely to deal with severe pathology.
• B. The tertiary group focuses more on the here and now.
• C. The tertiary group is more likely to deal with severe pathology.
• D. The tertiary group focuses on long-term individual therapy.

Answer: (C)

Tertiary group work targets individuals with severe, complex, or chronic mental health problems who require intensive, specialized treatment. In these settings the focus is on stabilization, risk management, and functional recovery, often within a multidisciplinary framework and sometimes in more intensive service contexts. Because of the level of need, tertiary groups are most likely to address severe pathology rather than milder issues. They may include here-and-now techniques at times, but that orientation isn’t the defining feature; the key is the severity and complexity of the pathology. Long-term individual therapy isn’t the primary mode here, since the emphasis is on group processes and collective strategies for managing serious conditions. Therefore, the scenario most characteristic of tertiary group work is dealing with severe pathology.