Which term is used for the person or population that requires help in human services?

• A. Client
• B. Patient
• C. Whole person
• D. Barriers

Answer: (A)

In human services, the person who needs help is described as a client. This term reflects the collaborative, client-centered approach used in social work, counseling, and related fields. It emphasizes the professional relationship where the individual’s goals, preferences, strengths, and autonomy guide assessment and planning. Using “client” helps focus on empowerment, consent, and partnership in finding solutions to the person’s needs.

Patient is a term more commonly used in medical settings, where the emphasis is often on diagnosis and treatment within healthcare. Whole person is a descriptive phrase that highlights considering all aspects of a person, but it isn’t a label used to refer to someone receiving services. Barriers refer to the obstacles the person might face, not the person themselves.