What Are SOAP, DAP, and Other Common Therapy Note Templates?
An Overview of Popular Clinical Documentation Formats in Mental Health
Accurate and organized documentation is critical in mental health practice. Therapists rely on various clinical note templates to ensure consistency, track progress, and meet legal and insurance requirements. Below are the most commonly used formats:
1. SOAP Notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan)
Widely used in both medical and mental health settings, SOAP notes break down information clearly:
- Subjective: Client's perspective or reported symptoms
- Objective: Therapist’s observations and measurable facts
- Assessment: Clinical interpretation
- Plan: Next steps or treatment direction
Best for: Structured sessions, insurance reporting, and multi-disciplinary teams
2. DAP Notes (Data, Assessment, Plan)
A simpler alternative to SOAP, often used in counseling and behavioral health:
- Data: Observations and client interactions
- Assessment: Therapist’s clinical analysis
- Plan: Future goals or interventions
Best for: Fast-paced environments and solo practitioners
3. Progress Notes
More flexible and narrative in style, Progress Notes track session-by-session changes.
They’re used to record therapeutic goals, interventions, and client outcomes.
Best for: Long-term tracking and client-centered care
4. BIRP Notes (Behavior, Intervention, Response, Plan)
Focuses on behavioral change and therapist intervention:
- Behavior: Client’s actions during the session
- Intervention: Therapist’s techniques
- Response: Client’s reaction
- Plan: Next steps
Best for: Behavioral therapy, inpatient settings
5. PIRP Notes (Problem, Intervention, Response, Plan)
Similar to BIRP, but starts with the presenting problem.
Best for: Targeted, problem-focused therapy sessions
Choosing the Right Template
Selecting the right therapy note format depends on your setting, goals, and preferences. Many modern EHR platforms for therapists allow switching between formats or customizing your own.
