Which step in the DSM-5 assessment process emphasizes providing the least restrictive diagnosis for the client’s functioning and targeting appropriate treatment options, plans, and goals?

• A. Step 5: Provide least restrictive diagnosis for the client functioning and target appropriate treatment options, plans, and goals
• B. Step 1: Gather through history/clinical interview/baseline testing
• C. Step 3: Administer additional targeted testing should you feel you need additional information to ease out the client's presentation; consider referring out for psychological evaluation if unclear or evaluation is beyond your scope
• D. Step 6: Reevaluate a diagnosis- adjust treatment or diagnosis should you be presented with additional information whether by diagnostic means and health records

Answer: (A)

The step emphasizes using a diagnosis that is as non-restrictive as possible while still capturing the client’s functioning, and immediately tying that diagnosis to a treatment plan with appropriate options, plans, and goals. This approach ensures that intervention targets actual impairments without over-pathologizing or restricting the client more than necessary, which helps with accessibility to services, reduces stigma, and keeps the focus on meaningful functional outcomes.

Earlier steps are about gathering information—history, clinical interviews, and baseline data—to understand what the client is experiencing. When the information is unclear, targeted testing or referrals may be needed to clarify the presentation. After gathering and clarifying information, this step translates that understanding into a workable treatment plan and goals. Later, reevaluation is used to adjust the diagnosis or treatment plan as new information becomes available.