The Prompt

I am an SLP writing cognitive-linguistic therapy goals for an adult patient. Here is the relevant clinical information (no identifying information): diagnosis, current cognitive-linguistic profile, and the patient's functional priorities or daily tasks they want to improve. Write 3-4 measurable therapy goals that: target specific cognitive-linguistic skills (attention, memory, executive function, problem-solving, or functional communication), are tied to real-world tasks the patient needs to perform (medication management, following a schedule, communicating needs to caregivers, managing finances), include a measurable criterion (accuracy, independence level, frequency of cues), specify the condition (structured task, simulated functional activity, natural environment), and include a realistic timeframe. Do not write goals for skills I did not identify as impaired. Do not assume a diagnosis I did not provide. Prioritize functional independence over isolated cognitive drill performance.

Why This Works

• Functional anchoring. Tying goals to real-world tasks (medication management, scheduling) produces goals that are meaningful to the patient and defensible to payers.
• Diagnosis-specific guardrail. “Do not assume a diagnosis I did not provide” prevents the model from generating goals based on a condition you did not assess.
• Measurability built in. Requiring criterion, condition, and timeframe ensures goals meet documentation standards across medical and rehab settings.
• Independence over drill performance. Prioritizing functional independence aligns with best practices in cognitive rehabilitation and avoids goals that measure task accuracy without clinical relevance.
• Multiple goal options. Providing 3-4 goals lets the clinician select and adapt based on the patient’s priorities and prognosis.

When to Use

When writing or updating therapy goals for adults with traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, or other conditions affecting cognitive-linguistic function. Especially useful when you need to translate neuropsychological profiles into functional therapy targets.

When NOT to Use

• Do not include patient names, medical record numbers, or facility identifiers
• Do not use for pediatric populations; cognitive-linguistic development differs significantly
• Do not accept goals without verifying they match the patient’s assessed impairments and stated priorities

Pair With

• Discharge Summary Organizer – document progress toward these goals at end of care
• SOAP Note Formatter – track session-level progress on cognitive-linguistic goals
• SNF/Rehab setting guide – documentation standards for rehabilitation settings