During treatment planning, what must a counselor and a client primarily identify?

In the context of treatment planning, it is essential for a counselor and a client to primarily identify problems that need resolution alongside treatment goals. This identification helps establish a clear understanding of the client's challenges and the desired outcomes of the treatment process. By addressing the specific problems the client is facing, the counselor can tailor the treatment plan to meet the individual needs of the client, ensuring that the goals set are relevant and achievable.

Recognizing the problems also allows for the development of strategies that directly target these issues, facilitating progress in the client's recovery journey. This collaborative approach fosters a strong therapeutic alliance and empowers clients by involving them actively in their treatment planning.

While financial goals, entertainment activities, and the origin of substance abuse may play a role in treatment considerations, they are secondary to the fundamental need to address the issues that hinder the client's recovery and to align those issues with specific, actionable goals for improvement.