Which of the following is NOT a stage of the consultation process?

The consultation process typically involves several key stages, each designed to guide professionals in effectively addressing issues or concerns in a systematic manner. One of the common frameworks for the consultation process includes stages such as Entry, Diagnosis, Implementation, and Follow-up.

The Entry stage involves establishing a working relationship between the consultant and the client or consultee, setting the stage for effective collaboration. The Diagnosis stage follows, where the consultant assesses the needs and identifies the issues requiring intervention. Implementation then focuses on applying strategies or interventions based on the previous stages. Finally, the Follow-up stage is critical to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented strategies and ensure ongoing support or modifications as necessary.

While Follow-up is essential to the consultation process, it is categorized as a stage that occurs after implementation. It is not a foundational stage of the initial consultation process. In contrast, Entry, Diagnosis, and Implementation are all core stages that structure the overall process of consultation. Therefore, identifying Follow-up as not being a stage reflects an understanding of how the consultation framework is organized.