Which aspect best describes a long-term goal?

A long-term goal is characterized as a strategic plan for treatment that spans several months or years. This is because long-term goals are designed to address complex issues or support significant changes in a client’s well-being and functioning over an extended period. In music therapy, long-term goals often encompass comprehensive developmental milestones or behavioral changes that require consistent effort and engagement, often involving multiple sessions and interventions tailored to the individual's needs.

In contrast, a simple behavioral change expected immediately pertains to short-term goals, which focus on immediate results. A desired outcome achievable within a week signifies a brief timeframe typically aligned with short-term objectives that aim for quicker interventions. Lastly, a one-time achievement during therapy refers to isolated events or moments of success, which also lack the sustained engagement and progress that characterize long-term goals. Thus, the comprehensive nature and the extended timeline of option C accurately reflect the essence of long-term goal-setting in therapy practices.