ASWB Bachelor Practice Exam 2026 - Free ASWB Practice Questions and Study Guide

Beginning individual counseling is considered the best intervention for a client dealing with ongoing depression because it allows for a personalized approach to treatment. Through individual counseling, the therapist can establish a trusting therapeutic relationship, which is crucial for effective intervention. This setting provides the client with the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings, understand their depression more deeply, and develop coping mechanisms in a safe environment.

Individual counseling can also help the client set specific goals for treatment, track their progress, and adjust interventions as necessary. Various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy, can be employed during these sessions to address the underlying issues contributing to the client’s depression. Moreover, counseling can serve as a first step in the treatment of depression and may reduce the client's immediate distress.

While medication and referrals to healthcare providers are valuable options, they often work best in conjunction with counseling and may not provide the immediate emotional support that individual therapy offers. Support groups can be beneficial but may not replace the need for one-on-one attention with a professional, especially for clients with ongoing depressive conditions. Thus, starting with individual counseling allows for a more comprehensive and tailored approach to the client's mental health needs.