University of Phoenix Material



University of Phoenix Material

Guidelines for Writing a Treatment Plan

The treatment plan is guided by assessment and diagnosis. That is, if the diagnosis is depression, then the treatment plan would address relief of the client's depressed mood. It may also address making internal and external changes and reduce the likelihood of the client becoming depressed in the future.

Goals and interventions must be attainable by the client, given the client's strengths and vulnerabilities. Treatment modality must also reflect the best possible approaches given the client's personality, strengths, and limitations.

The following is one format for writing a treatment plan. This plan may be combined with the assessment and diagnosis for an assessment and treatment plan, or it may be written separately. Either way, the important questions are as follows: Is the approach appropriate given the presented problem and the client's personality and motivation? Does the plan reflect what the client wants to achieve?

Goals of Treatment

The best way to establish goals is to ask the client what he or she wants to change and what that change would look like. Together, you may then formulate attainable goals. Remember, goals are outcomes for the client, and they should be worded accordingly. That is, you would not place learn progressive relaxation skills under goals, but under interventions, as it is an intervention for relieving anxiety symptoms.

You may also set short-term goals and long-term goals. A short-term goal might be to decrease anxiety symptoms. A long-term goal might be to resolve the cause of the anxiety, such as the employment issues. The following is an example for someone who has employment issues.

1. Short term

a. Relief of symptoms of anxiety

b. Restoration of activities and social contacts to previous (1 year ago) level

2. Long term

a. Resolution of employment issues

b. Improved sense of financial security

Mode, Frequency, and Duration

The counselor will use a behavioral and cognitive-behavioral approach. The sessions will be once a week for 3 weeks, then once every 2 weeks if appropriate, until symptoms are improved. At that time, the counselor and client will determine a plan for the future course of sessions.

Interventions

The interventions are actions taken by the counselor. Do not list tasks for the client, such as homework, or interventions, unless you state what the counselor is to do. Ask yourself what the counselor will be doing in the session to help the client achieve the established goals. The following example is reflective of a behavioral and cognitive-behavioral approach. However, any theoretical approach may be used.

1. Beginning stage, starting with the first session and continuing in the sessions immediately following, if appropriate:

a. Explore the nature of the symptoms; the rate, time, and place of occurrence; and any precipitating factors. Encourage the client to keep a log for 1 week reflecting the occurrence of his or her symptoms.

b. Teach cognitive interventions (self-talk) that may be used when anxiety arises and facilitated development of a plan for use of this skill.

c. Teach basic relaxation skills and determine, with the client, a daily practice schedule.

d. Explore support resources and outlets, such as contact with friends, social activities, and increased physical activity. Facilitate the setting of weekly goals for increasing activity.

2. Middle stage: Once progress has been made on the beginning interventions, the following interventions may be implemented. The middle stage may occur by the third session or the fifteenth, depending on the seriousness of the problem and the motivation and readiness of the client.

a. Explore career options with the client to determine plans for either staying at the present job or developing a new career. Facilitate setting weekly or monthly goals for moving toward his or her ultimate career goal.

b. Practice new coping and communication techniques for interacting with his or her former spouse using thought-stopping and role-play.

c. Continue working on self-talk, stress management techniques, and encouragement of social and physical outlets.

Referral Resources

Include any possible outside referrals that may support or expand the client's progress toward attaining his or her goals.

1. Career exploration class at a community college

2. Medical examination to rule out physical causes for symptoms

3. Support group

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