How to Create a Treatment Plan for Loneliness

Mental health disorders like depression, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are commonly associated with isolation or loneliness. Loneliness can contribute to the worsening of mental health concerns as well. Clients may find themselves slipping into a more profound depression and experience an increase in negative thought patterns. Keep reading to learn how I create a treatment plan for loneliness, with an example.

It is essential for us to differentiate loneliness and being alone. Clients who struggle with loneliness typically feel disconnected, though they may be around loved ones or friends frequently. Being alone refers to not being around others, which may not always be a bad thing. Sometimes being alone can help clients reset, find an emotional balance, and rest. Knowing these differences can help us better understand how we can help our clients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that rates of loneliness were highest among those who identified as bisexual and transgender. Those who struggle with loneliness may also have limited social support, which can make it challenging to find connections with others.

Before creating a treatment plan for loneliness, I focus on learning more about my clients’ current challenges and understanding what changes they would like to see regarding their connections with others. I have found that this is an individualized answer that can vary greatly. These conversations help ensure that your loneliness treatment plan aligns with your client’s personal goals.

Setting Goals and Objectives With Clients in Your Treatment Plan for Loneliness

Before I begin creating a treatment plan, I review the paperwork to ensure I am considering all the facts. The paperwork available has varied in different clinical settings, though there is typically some form of assessment or self-report measure to review.

I have found that incorporating worksheets into sessions can encourage client participation and provide a reference of what we discussed at home. TherapyByPro is a leading resource for mental health professionals and offers a variety of worksheets I like to use for treatment plans. Examples of what I would consider for a loneliness treatment plan include:

What I Include in a Treatment Plan for Loneliness + Example

The remainder of this page will focus on how to use the  Treatment Plan Template offered by TherapyByPro. I have found this to be a valuable resource because it is straightforward, organized, and completely customizable. This allows me to create a comprehensive treatment plan with ease, which can be adjusted during treatment plan reviews. Continue reading for details of a hypothetical case that will guide the creation of our loneliness treatment plan.

Example Case for John:

John is a 30-year-old male who sought treatment for depressive symptoms. His self-assessments indicate that he’s struggling with a low mood, social withdrawal, and loneliness.

John shared that his symptoms began about six months ago and have worsened over time. It was around that time that his long-distance relationship ended.  His symptoms have affected his work performance and relationships. His fatigue has made it difficult for him to keep up with his exercise routine, which he previously enjoyed. With poor sleep quality and diminished concentration, he reached out after noticeable changes in his daily functioning. 

Agencies Involved and Plans for Care Coordination

Here, I include contact information for other treatment providers my clients are working with. This could consist of a psychiatrist, a primary health care provider, or another mental health treatment provider. In this case, it is not necessary, as John has no history of mental health treatment. If he begins receiving medication management services, this section can be updated with the relevant information.

Example for John:

Care Coordination: None at this time 

Clinical Diagnoses

Based on the information provided, John meets the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. His symptoms are mild and have occurred in a single episode. Relevant symptoms include a depressed mood, loss of interest, loneliness, insomnia, diminished concentration, and functional impairment.

Example for John:

Clinical Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate  296.22

Current Medications and Responses

At this time, John is not taking medications to help manage his mental health symptoms. If this changes, this section can be edited to mark relevant changes.

Example for John:

Current Medications: None at this time

Presenting Problem and Related Symptoms

This is the section where I would include my case conceptualization. I ensure that the information included supports his diagnosis and the treatment plans outlined in the subsequent sections.

Example for John:

John is a 30-year-old male presenting with depressive symptoms, including low mood, social withdrawal, fatigue, loneliness, poor sleep, and reduced concentration. His symptoms began approximately six months ago following the end of a long-distance relationship and have progressively worsened. These difficulties have impacted his work performance, relationships, and ability to maintain his prior exercise routine.

John reports no history of mental health issues, trauma, or abuse. He denies current suicidal ideation, intent, or plan. He appears motivated for treatment and is agreeable to routine outpatient therapy. Overall, John’s presentation is consistent with a depressive episode influenced by relational loss, reduced behavioral engagement, and social isolation.

Goals and Objectives

This area of my treatment plans includes personalized goals, tailored to each client. I make sure to include my client in this section of their treatment plan because their perspective is invaluable. Goals should also be realistic with their current symptoms and concerns, and be measurable. This is a key section of your treatment plan review.

Example for John:

Goal 1: Reduce depressive symptoms and improve mood

• Objective 1: Use a thought log at least 3 times a week to track negative automatic thoughts
• Objective 2: Use CBT worksheets at least twice a week to challenge cognitive distortions
• Objective 3: Engage in a 5 to 10-minute mindfulness activity daily

Goal 2: Increase participation in enjoyable activities

• Objective 1: Participate in at least one planned, enjoyable activity each week
• Objective 2: Use a behavioral activation log to track mood daily
• Objective 3: Reintroduce light physical activity into his routine at least twice per week

Goal 3: Reduce Loneliness by improving social connections with others

• Objective 1: Identify barriers to social engagement and challenge related negative thoughts and beliefs
• Objective 2: Initiate one social interaction with friends per week
• Objective 3: Use mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety and distress in social settings

Specific Interventions to Be Used

I have found this section to be a helpful tool before therapy sessions, as it can serve as a reminder of the interventions or strategies that can be used in session. Similar to other areas of the treatment plan, this can be modified during treatment plan reviews to have up-to-date information.

Example for John:

Intervention 1:

Using a thought record to track cognitive restructuring

Responsible Person: John

Intervention 2:

Behavioral Activation

Responsible Person: John

Intervention 3:

Mindfulness Practices

Responsible Person: John

Intervention 4:

Reviewing and Implementing Healthy Sleep Hygiene Routine

Responsible Person: John and Counselor

Family Involvement

While it is not necessary in this case, family therapy sessions can be helpful. Family sessions help clarify boundaries, improve communication, and rebuild trust.

Example for John:

Family Involvement: None at this time

Additional Services and Interventions

For this section of my treatment plans, I think about what other services or supports could supplement traditional psychotherapy. Available options can vary based on your location and what your client is open to trying. I would begin by reviewing available options with John and seeing which options align with his comfort level, interests, and availability. Some clients are more comfortable focusing on traditional psychotherapy before adding in additional services. Possible services include support groups, activity groups, mindfulness classes, and crisis hotlines.

Example for John:

Additional Services: Support Group for Depression once per week

Estimation for Completion 

With weekly CBT sessions, we can hope that John will experience relief from his symptoms within 12 or so weeks. There is, of course, a chance that his symptoms worsen or you find an underlying cause that requires more attention. This section is an estimate; it is okay if it changes. You can make needed updates during treatment plan reviews.

Example for John:

Estimated time for Completion: 12 weeks of individual therapy

Aftercare Plans

I want this section of my treatment plans to include recommendations for further support in the event of an early termination. This can occur for a range of reasons, and I have found it easier to be prepared beforehand. I typically refer clients to their primary care physicians and include recommendations for support within their community.

Example for John:

Aftercare Plans: Primary Care Physician, and Crisis Hotline (988) and Text Line (Send HOME to 741741

Final Thoughts On Creating a Counseling Treatment Plan for Loneliness

When creating a treatment plan for loneliness, it is essential to address its underlying causes. While this example was tied to depressive symptoms, you can also assess for anxiety, grief, trauma, and significant life transitions. Helping your client become aware of their emotions and name them can be an empowering experience that allows them to manage sadness, shame, and emptiness that may be tied to their loneliness.

You can learn more about behavioral activation and how to help clients build their social supports through continuing education classes, training, and supervision. These are valuable resources that can help enhance your clinical skills.

Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024b, June 20). Loneliness, lack of social and emotional support, and mental health issues – United States, 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.