Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Psychopharmacology • Crisis Intervention • Informed Consent

Treatment Goals

Term from Mental Health Counseling industry explained for recruiters

Treatment Goals are the specific, measurable objectives that mental health professionals develop with their clients to guide therapy progress. Think of them as a roadmap for therapy - they help both the counselor and client know where they're heading and how to tell when they've made progress. These goals are typically part of a larger treatment plan, which is like an action plan for helping clients improve their mental health. Similar terms you might see include "therapeutic objectives," "care plan goals," or "clinical goals."

Examples in Resumes

Developed and implemented Treatment Goals for a caseload of 25 clients

Consistently achieved 85% success rate in meeting Treatment Goals through evidence-based practices

Collaborated with clients and families to establish realistic Treatment Goals and treatment plans

Documented progress towards Treatment Goals using electronic health records

Typical job title: "Mental Health Counselors"

Also try searching for:

Licensed Professional Counselor Mental Health Therapist Clinical Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor Licensed Clinical Social Worker Psychotherapist

Where to Find Mental Health Counselors

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Communities

• Reddit r/psychotherapy
• LinkedIn Mental Health Professionals Group
• Counseling Network Groups

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle complex cases where treatment goals need to be significantly modified?

Expected Answer: A senior counselor should discuss their process for evaluating progress, collaborating with clients and other professionals, and making evidence-based adjustments to treatment plans while maintaining therapeutic alliance.

Q: How do you train junior counselors in developing appropriate treatment goals?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership skills by explaining their mentoring approach, including teaching SMART goal development, clinical documentation, and adjustment strategies based on client needs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you involve clients in setting their treatment goals?

Expected Answer: Should explain their collaborative approach to goal-setting, including how they help clients identify realistic objectives and break down larger goals into manageable steps.

Q: How do you measure progress toward treatment goals?

Expected Answer: Should describe using specific assessment tools, regular progress reviews, and documentation methods to track client improvement and adjust goals as needed.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What makes a good treatment goal?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and give basic examples of appropriate treatment goals.

Q: How often should treatment goals be reviewed and updated?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of standard practice for reviewing goals (typically every 90 days or as needed) and understanding of when modifications might be necessary.