Adding & Updating Recovery Goals

Who this is for

This article is for staff who create, update, and track client recovery goals within the Individual Recovery Plan (IRP).

Overview

Recovery goals in the IRP help staff and clients monitor progress, document ongoing support, and ensure recovery planning stays active and measurable. Pathfinder EMR includes four initial basic needs goals—food, phone, shelter, and clothing—and allows programs to add additional goals based on client needs.

Common issues include:

• Not knowing where to enter goal progress updates
• Forgetting to set completion criteria or target dates
• Goals not being marked complete after they are achieved
• Difficulty tracking goal history over time

Updating Basic Needs Recovery Goals

To update an existing goal (such as food, phone, shelter, or clothing):

1. Locate the goal- These can be found on the client’s profile page on the IRP tab OR in the DAP notes within a specific appointment. 
2. Click Update next to the goal
3. On the next page, click the “Add Update” button to enter progress notes (for example, providing food bank information)
4. Save the progress note. The update will display in the History section of that goal.

Users can also edit goal details by:

• Setting a target date
• Defining the action plan
• Adding completion criteria
• Selecting a goal status such as In Progress

Adding New Recovery Goals

Beyond basic needs, staff can create additional goals under other recovery topics, such as:

• Education
• Finance
• Physical health

To add a new goal:

1. Select the appropriate goal topic (example: Physical)
2. Enter a goal title (example: Go to the dentist) along with goal details such as the action plan and target date.
3. Save the goal so it appears in the active goals list

Completing Recovery Goals

Once a goal has been achieved, it should be marked complete.

To complete a goal:

1. Open the active goal
2. Click Mark as Complete
3. The goal will move into the Completed Goals section of the IRP

Completing goals helps clients track progress and supports accurate documentation of recovery growth.

Troubleshooting 

Goal updates are not showing in history

• Confirm you clicked Save after entering progress notes

A goal cannot be marked complete

• Check that required fields such as completion criteria or status have been entered

Staff are unsure what goals to add

• Use client-driven topics such as health, education, housing stability, or financial wellness