What is a key element of the core function of treatment planning?

Establishing agreed upon immediate and long-term goals is a fundamental aspect of treatment planning because it provides a clear framework for both the client and the treatment team. Goals serve as a roadmap for the individual’s recovery journey, guiding the therapeutic process by specifying what the client aims to achieve in both the short and long term.

This collaborative goal-setting process ensures that the treatment plan is personalized, relevant, and motivating for the client. By involving the client in the goal-setting process, it fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the treatment objectives, which can lead to improved engagement and better outcomes. Moreover, these goals are essential for measuring progress, enabling both the client and therapist to adjust strategies as needed throughout the treatment process.

In comparison, while determining a client's financial needs, evaluating staff performance, and creating community outreach programs are important components of a broader treatment framework, they do not directly pertain to the core function of treatment planning, which is primarily focused on the client’s individual recovery goals and strategies for achieving them.