Program evaluation is often described as a process for judging the worth of a counseling program relative to other alternatives, based on defensible, previously defined criteria.

Program evaluation is commonly defined as a systematic process for determining the effectiveness, efficiency, and/or impact of a program or intervention, relative to pre-established criteria or standards. The purpose of program evaluation is to inform decision-making, improve program performance, and enhance accountability and transparency. Evaluation criteria may include factors such as program outcomes, cost-effectiveness, participant satisfaction, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability.