Lots of people talk about SMART Goals.  You may have seen SMART Goals mentioned in Facebook posting (I certainly have) or in a conversation with a colleague, but you might not know exactly what they are.  So, what are they and where did the idea come from?
    The “SMART” in SMART Goals is an acronym: Specific – Measurable – Attainable – Results Oriented –Time-related.  It’s a good way to think about how to develop treatment goals so that they make sense for the work ahead. Interestingly (at least for me) the idea of SMART goals did not start in the world of behavioral health, or even treatment planning in general. 
    The idea of SMART goals and objectives actually arose out of the world of business. While there is some argument about who first coined the phrase, the acronym was first seen in the November 1981 issue of “Business Review”, authored by George T. Doran. It was then associated to business consultants Peter Drucker and Ken Blanchard. The notion of Specific and Measurable goals arose out of the 1940’s and 50’s.
    In the original acronym, the A stands for “assignable”, the R stands for "realistic”, but the concept represents the same idea – the goals are the distinct purpose of treatment; the objectives (the measurable parts) are the steps along the way which help to bring you and the client to realize the full completion of the goal. 
    The organization of the plan under the SMART structure provides the ability to effectively evaluate progress through the course of treatment in achieving the goal. One of the challenges that many clinicians face is making all of the objectives measurable (the ‘M’). In its original formulation, the ‘M’ was not quite so rigid as some people will be and was far more focused on the ability to “suggest an indicator of progress”. In working with clients, I tend to agree with this, being less about measurability and more about having some direction around progress.
    If you provide psychotherapy services to people with Medicaid, some State require the use of SMART Goals in treatment plans.  Other States have other requirements with other acronyms.  So, always make sure you know the requirements in your State.
    Where you're not bound by a particular structure, SMART goals can be a helpful option. By using the SMART structure of goal building, you have a good reminder of what you’re attempting to accomplish as you build out your client’s treatment plan as a road map toward wellness.