What is the suggested intake interviewing order?

• A. Current functioning, problem/goals, person
• B. Goals, problem, history
• C. Problem/goals, person, current functioning
• D. Person, current functioning, problem/goals

Answer: (C)

Starting with the presenting problem or goals sets the session’s focus and engages the client from the outset. When you open with what the client wants to address and what success would look like, you establish a collaborative direction, clarify expectations, and quickly align on a plan. This focus also helps the client feel heard and motivated, which makes the rest of the intake more productive.

Next, gathering the person’s background and psychosocial context provides the necessary context for understanding how the problem developed and what factors may be maintaining it. This sequence avoids getting lost in history before you know what the client is hoping to achieve, and it ensures you collect relevant information that directly informs treatment planning.

Finally, assessing current functioning shows how the issue affects daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being. This step helps gauge severity, track progress, and tailor interventions to real-world impact. Other orders can pull attention away from the client’s immediate concerns or lead to a less focused initial interview.