Treatment, Intervention, Prevention, and Supervision
What to know
Distinguish levels of prevention: universal, selective, and indicated (and tertiary care). Know major intervention frameworks-psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, systemic-at a conceptual level, plus evidence-based practice as the integration of best research, clinical expertise, and client values. Understand common factors (alliance, empathy, expectancy) and the role of treatment fidelity. Supervision content: models of supervision (developmental, competency-based), the supervisory alliance, evaluation and feedback, documentation, and boundaries (avoiding dual relationships). Recognize ethical dimensions of intervention: informed consent, confidentiality limits, mandated reporting, and competence boundaries.
Traps
Questions may blur prevention levels-indicated prevention targets high-risk individuals who already show early signs, not the general population. Supervision items often test whether a supervisee's competence gap requires additional training versus simple reassurance; the correct answer usually emphasizes structured feedback and remediation. Don't conflate evidence-based practice with rigid manual adherence.
Rule of thumb
For prevention, ask who receives the intervention: everyone (universal), those with risk factors (selective), or those with early symptoms (indicated). For supervision dilemmas, prioritize client welfare, then structured feedback and documentation.