Objectives

What is an objective?

An objective is the specific, measurable step used to achieve the treatment goal. It describes how the goal will be met throughout treatment.

Strong objectives typically include:

• A timeframe (for example, within 90 days)
• Treatment interventions or modalities (for example CBT, DBT, ACT, Behavioral Therapy)
• A measurable outcome (for example patient self report, therapist observation, GAD-7, PHQ-9, ADHD rating scales, or improved daily functioning)

Goal 1: Increase Anxiety Awareness and Symptom Understanding

Objective:

Client will increase awareness of anxiety triggers, symptoms, and maintaining patterns by identifying how anxiety impacts thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, behaviors, and daily functioning during therapy sessions over the next 90 days.

Measurement Tools (when appropriate):

• GAD-7
• Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS)
• Clinical observation
• Client self report

Goal 2: Improve Emotional Regulation and Anxiety Management

Objective:

Client will improve anxiety management by identifying and practicing adaptive coping and regulation strategies to reduce emotional and physiological distress associated with anxiety over the next 90 days.

Measurement Tools (when appropriate):

• GAD-7
• Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS)
• Clinical observation
• Client self report

Goal 3: Reduce Avoidance and Increase Tolerance of Anxiety

Objective:

Client will reduce anxiety related avoidance by gradually increasing engagement with previously avoided situations, activities, or experiences while developing greater tolerance for anxiety and discomfort over the next 90 days.

Measurement Tools (when appropriate):

• GAD-7
• Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS)
• Avoidance tracking
• Client self report

Goal 4: Improve Cognitive Flexibility and Reduce Anxiety-Driven Thinking

Objective:

Client will improve cognitive flexibility by identifying and challenging anxiety driven thought patterns and developing more balanced and adaptive perspectives over the next 90 days.

Measurement Tools (when appropriate):

• GAD-7
• Thought records/cognitive tracking
• Clinical observation
• Client self report

Goal 5: Increase Confidence and Healthy Engagement in Daily Life

Objective:

Client will increase confidence and anxiety-related functioning by engaging in meaningful activities, responsibilities, and relationships while practicing skills to manage anxiety over the next 90 days.

Measurement Tools (when appropriate):

• GAD-7
• Activity/engagement tracking
• Clinical observation
• Client self report

Objectives (Anxiety)

• Patient will identify and implement 2 coping strategies to reduce anxiety symptoms within 90 days, as evidenced by improved GAD-7 scores, patient self report, and therapist observation.
• Patient will develop and utilize 3 cognitive and behavioral strategies to challenge anxious thoughts and improve emotional regulation within 90 days, as evidenced by reduced anxiety related distress reported in session.
• Patient will identify 2 triggers and patterns that contribute to anxiety symptoms within 60 days, as evidenced by patient self report and clinical interview.