Here’s what to know about setting SMART goals for therapy

This guide will help mental health providers, particularly those in telehealth, create clear and actionable goals for clients. The process of formulating SMART goals begins with ensuring that each goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

Specific: Define clear objectives.

A specific goal is one that clearly states what the client wants to achieve, why it’s important, and how it will be accomplished. For example, rather than setting a vague goal like “Improve social skills,” a specific goal might be: “Attend at least one social event per week to practice initiating conversations.” This makes the objective clear, focused, and actionable.

Measurable: Track progress effectively.

Measuring progress is essential to understanding if a goal is being achieved. Measurable goals have clear criteria that let both the therapist and the client monitor progress. For example, a goal such as “Reduce anxiety” can be made measurable by stating, “Use relaxation techniques during at least three anxiety-provoking situations each week.” This way, the client can track how often they practice relaxation techniques and measure the effect on their anxiety levels.

Attainable: Set realistic expectations.

While goals should be challenging, they must also be realistic. Setting goals that are too ambitious can lead to frustration and burnout, while goals that are too easy may not be stimulating enough to promote growth. For example, instead of aiming to “Eliminate all anxiety symptoms within a month,” a more attainable goal would be, “Reduce daily anxiety by 30 percent within the next month using coping strategies learned in therapy.”

Relevant: Align with client’s values and aspirations.

Goals should align with the client’s personal values, aspirations, and needs. This ensures the goal is motivating and meaningful to the client. For example, if a client values career advancement, a relevant goal might be, “Improve time-management skills by planning daily tasks for the next four weeks to enhance work performance.”

Time-bound: Establish a timeline.

A time-bound goal has a clear deadline, creating a sense of urgency and accountability. This encourages clients to take action within a specific timeframe. For instance, instead of stating “I want to feel less depressed,” a time-bound goal could be, “Engage in at least two activities per week that bring joy over the next six weeks.” This sets a time limit that can be revisited during sessions.