Which is a legitimate criterion for terminating therapy?

Which is a legitimate criterion for terminating therapy?

• A. Client does not need service
• B. Therapist dislikes the client
• C. Client requests more sessions despite no benefit
• D. Insurance changes are irrelevant

Answer: (A)

Terminating therapy is appropriate when the client no longer needs services because goals have been met, functioning is stable, and the distress or risk that brought them to treatment has diminished. In this situation, continuing would not add meaningful benefit, so discharge with a plan to maintain gains is appropriate. This respects the client’s progress and helps prevent unnecessary dependency on therapy or resource use. Why the other ideas aren’t legitimate criteria: ending care because the therapist dislikes the client violates professional ethics and boundaries and should instead prompt supervision, boundary work, or a referral if needed. If a client asks for more sessions but there’s no clear benefit, the clinician should reassess or consider a different approach rather than simply extending care. Insurance changes can affect access or feasibility, but they don’t determine clinical need; decisions should still be grounded in the client’s clinical status and goals, with practical planning for continuation or termination as appropriate.

Terminating therapy is appropriate when the client no longer needs services because goals have been met, functioning is stable, and the distress or risk that brought them to treatment has diminished. In this situation, continuing would not add meaningful benefit, so discharge with a plan to maintain gains is appropriate. This respects the client’s progress and helps prevent unnecessary dependency on therapy or resource use.

Why the other ideas aren’t legitimate criteria: ending care because the therapist dislikes the client violates professional ethics and boundaries and should instead prompt supervision, boundary work, or a referral if needed. If a client asks for more sessions but there’s no clear benefit, the clinician should reassess or consider a different approach rather than simply extending care. Insurance changes can affect access or feasibility, but they don’t determine clinical need; decisions should still be grounded in the client’s clinical status and goals, with practical planning for continuation or termination as appropriate.