Therapy Note Formats

SOAP

Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan

The most widely-used format. Required by most insurance and EHRs.

Best for: General psychotherapy, all settings

DAP

Data, Assessment, Plan

Combines subjective and objective into one Data section.

Best for: Mental health, social work, faster documentation

BIRP

Behavior, Intervention, Response, Plan

Focuses on observable behaviors and your therapeutic interventions.

Best for: Behavioral health, substance abuse counseling

GIRP

Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan

Goal-oriented format for treatment planning.

Best for: Outcome-based therapy, IFS, solution-focused brief therapy

PIE

Problem, Intervention, Evaluation

Compact format ideal for shorter sessions.

Best for: Crisis intervention, brief therapy