Which statement best describes the ongoing screening process in counseling?

• A. It should be conducted only at intake
• B. It is a one-time assessment
• C. It should be ongoing but only when risk is suspected
• D. It should be conducted at every session and throughout counseling

Answer: (D)

Ongoing screening in counseling means routinely checking in with clients at each session to monitor safety, risk, and progress, and to adjust the plan as needed. This proactive, continuous approach recognizes that a client’s situation can change from visit to visit, new concerns can emerge, and risk factors may fluctuate. By integrating screening into every session, the counselor can detect problems early, respond promptly, and keep the treatment aligned with the client’s current needs. It also supports ethical practice by prioritizing safety and ensuring interventions remain appropriate.

If screening were only at intake, important changes after the first session might be missed. Treating screening as a one-time assessment fails to capture how a client’s status can evolve. Waiting to screen only when risk is suspected delays identification of problems that are not yet obvious, whereas regular screening normalizes evaluation and helps maintain an accurate, up-to-date understanding of the client’s situation.