Goals

Goals (Depression)

What is a goal?

A goal is the overall outcome the patient wants to achieve in treatment. It reflects what the patient is working toward and can be written in clinical language or using the patient’s own words when appropriate.

Goals describe what the patient wants to change or improve. Objectives describe how that goal will be achieved and measured over time.

Using the patient’s own language can help improve clarity and engagement, especially when documenting person centered care or working with children and adolescents.

Goal 1: Reduce Depressive Symptoms and Increase Emotional Awareness

Client Goal:

“I want to better understand my depression and recognize what affects my mood.”

Clinical Focus:

Support the client in increasing awareness of depressive symptoms, identifying patterns that contribute to changes in mood, and improving their ability to recognize and communicate emotional experiences.

Goal 2: Improve Emotional Regulation and Coping

Client Goal:

“I want to learn healthier ways to manage difficult emotions when I’m feeling depressed or overwhelmed.”

Clinical Focus:

Support the client in developing adaptive coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, and increasing their ability to manage sadness, irritability, stress, and emotional distress.

Goal 3: Increase Behavioral Activation and Daily Functioning

Client Goal:

“I want to become more active and start doing the things I used to enjoy.”

Clinical Focus:

Support the client in reducing withdrawal and inactivity, increasing engagement in meaningful and pleasurable activities, and improving daily functioning affected by depressive symptoms.

Goal 4: Improve Social Connection and Interpersonal Functioning

Client Goal:

“I want to reconnect with people and stop isolating myself when I’m struggling.”

Clinical Focus:

Support the client in reducing social withdrawal, strengthening supportive relationships, improving communication of emotional needs, and increasing healthy interpersonal engagement.

Goal 5: Develop a More Balanced and Positive Self-Perception

Client Goal:

“I want to stop being so hard on myself and develop a healthier view of who I am.”

Clinical Focus:

Support the client in addressing negative self-beliefs, self-criticism, and feelings of worthlessness while strengthening self-worth, self-compassion, and recognition of personal strengths

Goals (Depression)

• Patient will reduce symptoms of depression in order to improve overall emotional well-being and daily functioning.
• Patient will increase engagement in meaningful daily activities to improve motivation, energy, and quality of life.
• Patient will develop a more positive and balanced self perception while reducing negative self-talk and feelings of worthlessness.