LCDC Treatment Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between a treatment goal and an objective?
- A goal is broad and long-term; an objective is specific, measurable, and short-term (Correct answer)
- A goal is short-term; an objective is long-term
- Goals are written by clients; objectives by counselors
- There is no meaningful difference
Correct answer: A goal is broad and long-term; an objective is specific, measurable, and short-term
Goals describe the desired broad outcome, while objectives are the specific, measurable steps taken to achieve that goal.
Question 2: When a client with opioid use disorder is prescribed medication-assisted treatment (MAT), the treatment plan should:
- Integrate MAT as one component alongside counseling and recovery support (Correct answer)
- Focus exclusively on medication management
- Defer counseling until the client is stable on medication
- Avoid listing MAT to reduce stigma in the record
Correct answer: Integrate MAT as one component alongside counseling and recovery support
Best practice integrates MAT with counseling and psychosocial support, as medication alone does not address all dimensions of recovery.
Question 3: A client in early recovery identifies relapse prevention as a treatment priority. Which type of intervention should be included in the plan?
- Relapse prevention planning with trigger identification and coping strategies (Correct answer)
- Confrontational group therapy only
- Immediate residential referral
- Medication only
Correct answer: Relapse prevention planning with trigger identification and coping strategies
Relapse prevention interventions teach clients to recognize triggers, high-risk situations, and to apply coping strategies to maintain sobriety.
Question 4: What does 'continuity of care' mean in the context of treatment planning?
- Ensuring smooth transitions between levels of care and connecting clients to ongoing services (Correct answer)
- Keeping a client at the same level of care indefinitely
- Assigning one counselor to all clients
- Avoiding any change in treatment approach
Correct answer: Ensuring smooth transitions between levels of care and connecting clients to ongoing services
Continuity of care ensures clients are appropriately stepped up or down across treatment levels and connected to community resources for sustained recovery.
Question 5: A treatment plan for a client with co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder should:
- Address both disorders concurrently using an integrated approach (Correct answer)
- Treat alcohol use disorder first, then depression
- Treat depression first before addressing substance use
- Refer the client to mental health services only
Correct answer: Address both disorders concurrently using an integrated approach
Integrated treatment of co-occurring disorders is the evidence-based standard, as treating both conditions simultaneously leads to better outcomes.
Question 6: The client signature on a treatment plan signifies:
- Informed consent and collaborative participation in their own care (Correct answer)
- Legal waiver of confidentiality
- Agreement to remain in treatment for the specified duration
- Acknowledgment that the plan cannot be changed
Correct answer: Informed consent and collaborative participation in their own care
Client signatures document informed consent and active participation in developing their treatment plan.
LCDC Treatment Planning 2
What is the difference between a treatment goal and an objective?