Intensity of the patient's illness, long-term prognosis, balance between medical and somatic symptoms, and realistic goal-setting will influence the patient's ability to function and his or her treatment (Groth-Marnat, 2009, p.604).
Duration of the treatment course is another factor to consider: Long vs. short-range treatment duration is determined by the intensity of the disorder; its specificity; the age and level of social support of the patient; and the patient's level of 'premorbid' functioning. A phobic anxiety disorder requiring short-term treatment vs. A chronic bipolar disorder provides a contrast in the two different approaches: one is ideal for symptom-focused cognitive behavioral therapy while the other requires more generalized physical and medical treatment. For some disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, no treatment at the time may be indicated, until the patient is willing to use the therapy correctly, and not merely as a way to further his or her disorder (Groth-Marnat, 2009, p.605). Situation-specific 'habits' as opposed to those stemming from deeper emotional or personality disorders thus affect treatment plans as well.
Finally, the therapist must consider the need...
Some patients with low social support, high rates of introversion, and deeper psychoanalytic issues that resist conventional diagnostic characterization might be helped by non-directive dream therapy or free associative therapy -- these patients might be called 'high internalizers' that require more personalized types of therapy (Groth-Marnat, 2009, p.609). High or low levels of resistance to treatment should also be taken into consideration when creating a program -- particularly given the need to select a therapist whose approach can deal with a highly-resistant client. The patient must be ready to change, and some patients require higher levels of subjective distress before they are willing to do so. Finally, the personality of the therapist should also be taken into consideration, as every theory and design affected by the therapist, as well as the recipient of therapy.
Reference
Groth-Marnat, Gary. (2009). Handbook of psychological assessment. Wiley, pp.595-620
