Starting treatment involves more than choosing a type of therapy. The first meeting helps a therapist understand a client’s needs and establish how treatment will work. This lesson introduces the intake process and compares individual therapy with group therapy.
An intake is the therapist’s first meeting with a client. Whether a person seeks treatment voluntarily or is referred involuntarily, the intake helps the therapist assess clinical needs and gather information relevant to immediate care.
All flashcards
Intake
A therapist’s first meeting with a client, used to assess needs, discuss practical and ethical matters, and begin treatment planning.
Treatment plan
A collaborative guide to therapy that typically includes measurable objectives, ways to assess progress, and an estimated duration.
Individual therapy
One client meets one-on-one with a clinician, usually for 45 minutes to one hour weekly or every other week.
Couples therapy
Two people in an intimate relationship work with a therapist on conflicts and ways to interact more healthily.
Systems approach to family therapy
A perspective that views family members as interconnected and considers how patterns affect individuals and the family as a whole.
Quiz questions
What is an intake in therapy?Answer: The therapist’s first meeting with a client to assess needs and discuss how treatment will work.
What does confidentiality generally mean in a therapist-client relationship?Answer: The therapist generally cannot disclose confidential communications, though law may permit or require exceptions.
Which statement describes a potential benefit and limitation of group therapy?Answer: Members may gain support and practice skills, but other members’ privacy cannot be guaranteed.
In couples counseling using a cognitive-behavioral approach, what may partners examine?Answer: How their backgrounds, beliefs, and actions affect their relationship.
How do structural and strategic family therapy differ in emphasis?Answer: Structural therapy examines family organization and boundaries; strategic therapy targets specific problems with a therapist-guided plan.
Based on Psychology 2e by Rose M. Spielman, William J. Jenkins, Marilyn D. Lovett (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.