2011

Needs assessment methods have been promoted by counseling researchers and practitioners for several decades (Cook, 1989; Erford, 2008; Newton, Angle, Schuette, & Ender, 1984). Information gathered through needs assessments may help professional counselors in various specialties to identify critical needs of the populations to whom they provide services. In today’s era of managed care and educational accountability, needs assessment data can play a central role in advocating for funding and resources to provide counseling services to clients (Astramovich & Hoskins, 2009). This article reviews basic needs assessment concepts and highlights a four stage needs assessment approach for use by professional counselors.