When developing a treatment plan according to Switzer and Rubin, which is the first step?

• A. Setting a session schedule
• B. Establishing a diagnosis
• C. Selecting therapeutic modalities
• D. Behavioral definitions of problems

Answer: (D)

Defining the problem in behavioral terms is the first step. By framing the client’s difficulties as observable, measurable behaviors, you create a clear, objective baseline against which progress can be tracked. This concrete description makes it possible to set specific, measurable treatment goals and to choose interventions that directly target those behaviors. Without this step, goals can become vague and progress hard to assess.

Diagnosing or labeling the issue can be useful, but it doesn’t provide the concrete targets you need to plan and evaluate treatment. Logistics like setting how often sessions occur belong after you’ve articulated what needs to change and what success will look like. Similarly, selecting modalities comes after you know which behaviors to modify and what outcomes you’re aiming for.