Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is best described as?

• A. A long-term pharmacotherapy plan
• B. A structured brief intervention using Motivational Interviewing principles to boost motivation
• C. A peer-led support group
• D. A group counseling model focusing on relapse prevention

Answer: (C)

Motivational Enhancement Therapy centers on using Motivational Interviewing techniques in a brief, structured intervention to boost a client’s motivation to change addictive behaviors. It’s designed to be concise and focused, typically delivered in one to a few sessions, with the clinician guiding the client through empathy, exploring ambivalence, and strengthening commitment to change. Rather than prescribing meds or relying on group formats, MET aims to enhance the client’s own motivation so they’re more open to engaging in further treatment.

This isn’t about long-term pharmacotherapy, peer-led group support, or a group relapse-prevention model. Those approaches serve different purposes. MET’s strength lies in its targeted, client-centered brief approach that helps individuals recognize the benefits of changing and commit to next steps.