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Library · Domain 3. Treatment Planning & Continuity of Care · 3A. Treatment Planning

Task 3A.2

Writing SMART goals and objectives

“Develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) counseling goals and objectives” (NBCC, 2027 task 3A.2)

Treatment goals and objectives give counseling a direction that both client and counselor can track. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. The exam tests the difference between goals and objectives and how to write them well.

Key points

  • A goal is a broad statement of the desired outcome; an objective is a specific, measurable step toward that goal.
  • Specific: state exactly what will change. Measurable: state how change will be observed or counted. Attainable and Realistic: within the client's capacity and resources. Timely: has a target date or time frame.
  • Example of a weak objective: 'Client will feel less anxious.' A stronger version: 'Client will use paced breathing during at least 4 of 5 panic episodes, as recorded in a log, within 6 weeks.'
  • Short-term goals or objectives are steps toward long-term goals.
  • Write goals in the client's language where possible and connect them to what the client wants.
  • Measurable goals support outcome monitoring and documentation for third-party payers.
  • Goals should be reviewed and revised; an unmet goal may mean the goal or the method needs to change.

In practice

A client says she wants to be less depressed. Together with her counselor, she sets a goal of improving mood and an objective of reducing her PHQ-9 score from 18 to below 10 within 12 weeks, with a second objective of walking 20 minutes on 4 days a week.

A teenager wants to 'stop getting in trouble at school.' The counselor helps him set an objective of zero office referrals for fighting over the next grading period, tracked with his school counselor.

Check yourself

What is the difference between a goal and an objective?

A goal is the broad desired outcome, while an objective is a specific, measurable step toward it.

What does the M in SMART require?

That progress can be measured, for example by counts, scores or observable behavior.

Rewrite 'client will be happier' as a SMART objective.

For example: client will report a mood of 6 or higher on a 10-point daily rating on 5 of 7 days within 8 weeks, which is specific, measurable and time-limited.

NBCC's knowledge and skills for 3A. Treatment Planning

Knowledge of: SMART goals; Biopsychosocial model; Short- vs. long-term goals; Goals vs. objectives; Counseling theories and interventions; DSM/ICD; Behavioral strategies across settings.

Skill in: Aligning appropriate intervention with client need/identity; Developing initial treatment plan; Reviewing and revising treatment plan; Case conceptualization; Goal-setting; Differential diagnosis.

A study guide written by ExamDragon from NBCC's published task; not NBCC material and not part of the exam.