Treatment Planning and Intervention
What the candidate must know
Treatment planning translates assessment into measurable goals and matched interventions. Know the components of a plan: presenting problem, goals stated in behavioral and measurable terms, specific interventions, responsible parties, timelines, and criteria for review. Understand the major evidence-based orientations (cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, systemic, motivational) and when each is indicated.
Know the stages-of-change model: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance. Interventions that mismatch stage (confronting a precontemplator with action plans) tend to fail. Motivational interviewing fits early stages; skills-based work fits action.
Traps in questions
- Choosing an intervention the client has not agreed to. Collaboration and informed consent are part of planning.
- Writing vague goals ("feel better") instead of measurable ones ("attend three social events per week").
- Ignoring level of care. The least restrictive setting that can meet the need is preferred.
- Overlooking cultural fit and client preference, which affect engagement and outcomes.
Rule of thumb
Match the intervention to the stage of change and to the client's stated goal. If a client does not see a problem, the first task is building discrepancy, not teaching skills.
Worked example
A client says, "I know I drink too much but I'm not ready to stop." A plan that mandates abstinence is likely to rupture the alliance. A better plan sets a collaborative goal, uses motivational interviewing to explore values and discrepancy, and schedules review.