Depression Treatment Plan: Goals, Objectives and a Sample

Example goals for depression

Long-term goals describe the change the client wants. Write them with the client, in their words where you can.

• Feel more like myself and enjoy things again.
• Get back to work (or school) consistently.
• Reconnect with friends and family.
• Sleep and eat in a way that supports my health.
• Stay safe and know what to do when things get very hard.

Example measurable objectives

Objectives are the steps toward a goal. Each one has something to count and a date.

• Reduce PHQ-9 score from [baseline] to below 10 within [12] weeks.
• Complete [3] planned pleasant or meaningful activities a week, by activity log, for [4] consecutive weeks.
• Identify and challenge [2] negative automatic thoughts a week using a thought record, by week [6].
• Keep a consistent wake time on [5] of 7 days for [4] weeks.
• Contact [1] friend or family member a week for [6] weeks.
• Attend work on [all] scheduled days for [4] consecutive weeks.
• If suicidal ideation is present: complete a written safety plan in the session where it is identified, naming [2] people and the crisis line 988 to contact and steps to reduce access to lethal means.

On the PHQ-9, scores of 5, 10, 15 and 20 are the usual cut points for mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe symptoms. Choose a target that fits the client's starting point, such as a score below 10 or a 50% drop from baseline. Item 9 asks about thoughts of being better off dead or of self-harm. Any score above 0 on that item calls for a direct suicide risk assessment.

Commonly used interventions

Name the interventions you will actually use and how often.

• Behavioral activation: activity monitoring and scheduling of pleasant and meaningful activities.
• Cognitive restructuring: identifying and testing negative automatic thoughts.
• Problem-solving therapy: defining a current problem, listing possible solutions, choosing one, trying it and reviewing the result.
• Interpersonal focus: role transitions, grief or relationship conflict linked to the depression.
• Sleep and routine work: consistent wake times and daily structure.
• Safety planning, when suicidal ideation is present, reviewed at each session.
• Coordination of care: with the client's primary care provider or prescriber, with written consent, when medication or medical factors are relevant.

A sample depression treatment plan

All examples on this page are fictional composites. They do not describe real clients.

Client: adult in their 30s   Review date: 12 weeks from today
Presenting concerns: "Everything feels heavy. I've stopped going to the gym,
I'm calling in sick, and I don't see anyone."
Clinical impression: depressive symptoms for about 4 months after a job change.
[Diagnosis if within scope.] PHQ-9 at intake: 18 (item 9: 0).
Strengths: supportive partner, past enjoyment of running, insight into the
pattern.
Substance use: none reported. Medications: none reported.
Client's goals: "Get my energy back and stop hiding from everyone."

Problem 1: Withdrawal from activities and people.
  Goal: Re-engage with activities and relationships that matter to me.
  Objective 1a: Complete 3 scheduled activities a week (activity log) for 4
  consecutive weeks, starting week 2.
  Objective 1b: Contact one friend a week for 6 weeks.
  Interventions: Behavioral activation; weekly review of the activity log.

Problem 2: Negative thinking about self ("I'm useless at this job").
  Goal: Hold a more balanced view of myself.
  Objective 2a: Complete 2 thought records a week by week 6.
  Interventions: Cognitive restructuring.

Problem 3: Missed work days.
  Goal: Attend work consistently.
  Objective 3a: Attend all scheduled workdays for 4 consecutive weeks by
  week 10.
  Interventions: Problem-solving on morning barriers; consistent wake time.

Overall measure: PHQ-9 every 2 weeks; target below 10 by week 12.
Safety: Denies suicidal ideation at intake. Screen at each session; safety
plan if indicated.
Frequency: Weekly individual CBT, 50 minutes.
Coordination: Client will see their primary care provider about fatigue;
coordinate with written consent.
Client participation: Written together in session 2.

Common mistakes

1. "Reduce depression" as an objective. Attach a measure and a target, such as a PHQ-9 score and a date.
2. Leaving safety out. Note how you will screen for suicidal ideation during treatment, not only at intake. If it is present, the plan should include a safety plan and how often it is reviewed.
3. Only cognitive interventions. Include behavioral steps, such as scheduled activities, alongside cognitive work.
4. Ignoring sleep, medical and medication factors. Note them and coordinate care where relevant.
5. Not reviewing the plan. Check progress against the objectives at the review date and update the plan.

FAQ

What are good treatment plan goals for depression?
Goals the client chose and can recognize as meaningful, such as getting back to work, reconnecting with people or enjoying activities again. Pair each goal with measurable objectives.

How do you measure progress in a depression treatment plan?
A standardized measure such as the PHQ-9, plus counts tied to each objective, such as activities completed or workdays attended.

What interventions are used for depression in therapy?
Common ones include behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving and interpersonal work, chosen to fit the client and your training. Safety planning is added when suicidal ideation is present.

How often should a depression treatment plan be updated?
Your agency, payer or licensing board may set a schedule. Without one, review at a date you set, when goals are met and when the client's situation changes.

This page is educational. Adapt the template to your licensing board, your payer and your setting.
Reframe Practice is a tool for licensed therapists, not a therapy clinic or counseling service.