REVIEW VERSION — Pending final agency leadership and clinical/compliance approval. Not final clinical guidance; does not replace agency policy, supervision, professional judgment, or legal/regulatory requirements.

Sell the Next Right StepBehavioral Health Staff Training · Review Version
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Staff Quick Reference

Acknowledge, Align, Explain, Simplify, Confirm

Acknowledge, Align, Explain, Simplify, Confirm

  • Acknowledge what the client is feeling or saying.
  • Align the recommendation with what the client wants.
  • Explain why the next step matters.
  • Simplify the next action.
  • Confirm what the client is willing to do next.

Core Script

Core script

“I hear you. I am not here to force you. I want to understand what is making this difficult. You told me you want ____. This step may help because ____. We can make it easier by ____. What is one next step you feel willing to take?”