Facebook tracking pixelSOAP Note Guides and Examples for Psychotherapy: Streamline Documentation with AI Medical Scribes

SOAP Note Guides and Examples for Psychotherapy: Streamline Documentation with AI Medical Scribes

Dr. Claire Dave

A physician with over 10 years of clinical experience, she leads AI-driven care automation initiatives at S10.AI to streamline healthcare delivery.

TL;DR Did you know that 73% of healthcare professionals report documentation burnout? For mental health professionals, crafting precise and comprehensive SOAP notes is critical yet time-consuming. These notes not only track client progress but also ensure compliance and facilitate collaboration with other providers. This guide dives deep into SOAP note examples for psychotherapy, offering templates, real-world scenarios, and expert tips to enhance your documentation process. By leveraging AI medical scribes like S10.AI, therapists can reduce burnout, boost productivity, and focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional patient care. This article provides a step-by-step SOAP note guide for mental health professionals, including psychotherapy SOAP note templates, CBT SOAP note samples, and specific examples for conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma-focused therapy. We’ll also explore how AI in healthcare, particularly artificial intelligence tools like S10.AI, integrates with EHR systems such as Epic, Cerner, and Athenahealth to streamline clinical note writing in psychotherapy and combat therapist burnout.
Expert Verified

What Are SOAP Notes in Psychotherapy?

SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) are a standardized framework for documenting patient encounters, widely adopted since their development by Dr. Lawrence Weed in the 1960s. In psychotherapy, SOAP notes provide a structured way to capture a client’s mental health status, therapeutic interventions, and progress toward treatment goals. They are essential for:

- Tracking Progress: Documenting client improvements or challenges over time.

- Ensuring Compliance: Meeting legal and insurance requirements, including HIPAA standards.

- Facilitating Collaboration: Enabling seamless communication with other healthcare providers.

- Reducing Burnout: Streamlining documentation to free up time for patient care.

AI medical scribes like S10.AI can automate much of this process, transcribing sessions and generating SOAP documentation for therapy sessions in real-time, saving up to 95% of charting time.

How to Write a SOAP Note in Psychotherapy: Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting effective SOAP notes for psychotherapy requires clarity, precision, and a client-centered approach. Below is a detailed guide to writing therapy progress notes in SOAP format:

Step 1: Subjective (S)

The Subjective section captures the client’s self-reported thoughts, feelings, and concerns. This is their narrative, providing context for their emotional and mental state.

Key Elements:

- Client’s chief complaint or primary concerns (e.g., “I feel overwhelmed by work.”)

- Relevant history (e.g., recent stressors, family history, or past therapy).

- Direct quotes to reflect the client’s perspective accurately.

Tips:

- Use patient-centered language.

- Avoid assumptions or interpretations.

- Include family or caregiver input if relevant, especially for child or adolescent therapy.

Example (Anxiety Therapy):

S: Client, a 28-year-old female, reported increased anxiety over the past two weeks, stating, “I can’t stop worrying about my job performance.” She described difficulty sleeping and frequent racing thoughts, particularly at night. No suicidal ideation was reported.

Step 2: Objective (O)

The Objective section documents observable and measurable data from the session, such as the client’s appearance, behavior, and results from standardized assessments.

Key Elements:

- Physical appearance (e.g., grooming, posture).

- Behavioral observations (e.g., fidgeting, eye contact).

- Mental status exam findings (e.g., mood, affect, cognition).

- Results from tools like the Beck Depression Inventory or GAD-7.

Tips:

- Stay factual and avoid subjective interpretations.

- Include measurable data to support clinical decisions.

Example (Depression Therapy):

O: Client appeared well-groomed but subdued, with minimal eye contact and slow speech. Mood was reported as “low,” with a flat affect. Beck Depression Inventory score: 22 (moderate depression). No signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation observed.

Step 3: Assessment (A)

The Assessment section synthesizes subjective and objective data to provide a clinical judgment, including diagnoses, progress, and treatment implications.

Key Elements:

- Clinical diagnosis (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder).

- Progress toward treatment goals.

- Impact on daily functioning (e.g., work, relationships).

Tips:

- Reference evidence-based criteria (e.g., DSM-5).

- Highlight changes since the last session.

Example (CBT Note):

A: Client presents with symptoms consistent with Major Depressive Disorder, moderate severity, without psychotic features. Recent stressors (job loss) exacerbate symptoms, leading to social withdrawal and impaired concentration. Progress is minimal since the last session.

Step 4: Plan (P)

The Plan section outlines next steps, including interventions, goals, and follow-up actions.

Key Elements:

- Therapeutic interventions (e.g., CBT, mindfulness exercises).

- Referrals to other providers (e.g., psychiatrist for medication evaluation).

- Frequency and duration of future sessions.

- Homework or self-care tasks for the client.

Tips:

- Be specific and measurable (e.g., “Practice mindfulness for 10 minutes daily”).

- Ensure the client understands their role in the plan.

Example (Trauma-Focused Therapy):

P: Continue weekly CBT sessions focusing on trauma processing. Introduce grounding techniques to manage flashbacks. Schedule a psychiatric evaluation for potential medication. Client to journal triggers daily. Follow-up in one week on 7/17/2025.

SOAP Note Examples for Psychotherapy

Below are real-world SOAP note examples for psychotherapy, tailored to specific conditions and therapeutic approaches. These examples demonstrate how to write a therapy SOAP note for first sessions, ongoing sessions, and specialized therapies.

SOAP Note Example for Anxiety Therapy

S: Client, a 35-year-old male, reports persistent worry about an upcoming work presentation, stating, “I feel like I’m going to fail.” He describes physical symptoms, including racing heart and tension headaches. Sleep is disrupted (4-5 hours nightly).
O: Client appeared tense, with rapid speech and fidgeting. Mood was anxious, affect congruent. GAD-7 score: 15 (severe anxiety). No suicidal ideation noted.
A: Symptoms consistent with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, exacerbated by work-related stress. Impaired concentration and sleep affect daily functioning.
P: Implement CBT to address cognitive distortions. Teach deep breathing exercises for anxiety management. Client to maintain an anxiety journal. Schedule follow-up on 7/24/2025. Refer to psychiatrist for medication evaluation if no improvement in four weeks.

Psychotherapy SOAP Note Example for Depression

S: Client, a 40-year-old female, reports feelings of hopelessness and lack of interest in hobbies, stating, “I don’t enjoy anything anymore.” She notes changes in appetite and sleeping 10+ hours daily.
O: Client presented with a flat affect, minimal eye contact, and slow speech. Weight loss observed since last visit. Beck Depression Inventory score: 25 (moderate depression).
A: Major Depressive Disorder, moderate severity. Symptoms impact social and occupational functioning. Minimal progress since the last session.
P: Begin behavioral activation strategies in weekly psychotherapy. Discuss antidepressant options with a psychiatrist. Client to engage in one pleasurable activity daily. Follow-up in two weeks on 7/31/2025.

CBT SOAP Note Sample

S: Client, a 30-year-old male, reports ongoing negative thoughts about self-worth, stating, “I’m a failure at everything.” He describes low motivation and difficulty concentrating at work.
O: Client appeared disheveled, with a subdued demeanor. Mood was low, affect restricted. Cognitive restructuring exercises were conducted during the session.
A: Symptoms align with Major Depressive Disorder, mild to moderate severity. Negative thought patterns contribute to low self-esteem and reduced productivity.
P: Continue weekly CBT sessions focusing on challenging negative thoughts. Assign journaling to track cognitive distortions. Schedule follow-up on 7/20/2025.

SOAP Notes for Trauma-Focused Therapy

S: Client, a 25-year-old female, reports recurrent nightmares and flashbacks related to a past assault, stating, “I can’t stop reliving it.” She avoids crowded places and reports hypervigilance.
O: Client appeared anxious and hypervigilant, with a tense posture. PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) score: 45 (indicative of PTSD). No suicidal ideation observed.
A: Symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Trauma-related triggers significantly impair social functioning.
P: Begin trauma-focused CBT with grounding techniques. Develop a crisis plan with emergency contacts. Schedule weekly sessions for eight weeks. Follow-up on 7/22/2025.

SOAP Note Template for Licensed Therapists

Below is a customizable psychotherapy SOAP note template designed for mental health professionals:

Subjective (S):

- Client’s self-reported concerns, emotions, and history:

- Chief complaint: [Insert client’s primary concern or quote]

- Relevant history: [Insert social, family, or medical history]

- Current symptoms: [Insert specific symptoms or experiences]

Objective (O):

Observable data:

- Appearance: [Insert grooming, posture, etc.]

- Behavior: [Insert engagement, speech, etc.]

- Assessments: [Insert test scores, e.g., GAD-7, PHQ-9]

- Mental status: [Insert mood, affect, cognition]

Assessment (A):

- Clinical diagnosis: [Insert DSM-5 diagnosis or impression]

- Progress: [Insert progress toward goals]

- Functional impact: [Insert effect on daily life]

Plan (P):

Interventions: [Insert therapeutic techniques, e.g., CBT, mindfulness]

Homework: [Insert client tasks, e.g., journaling, exercises]

Referrals: [Insert referrals, if any]

Follow-up: [Insert next session date and frequency]

How AI Medical Scribes Enhance SOAP Documentation for Therapy Sessions

AI in healthcare is revolutionizing physician documentation, and mental health professionals are no exception. Tools like S10.AI’s AI medical scribe integrate seamlessly with EHR systems like Epic, Cerner, Allscripts, and Athenahealth, offering a best AI solution for SOAP documentation for therapy sessions. Here’s how artificial intelligence toolsimprove productivity and reduce burnout:

- Time Savings: S10.AI transcribes sessions and generates psychotherapy progress note samples in real-time, cutting documentation time by up to 95%.

- Accuracy and Compliance: AI ensures HIPAA-compliant notes with precise, structured formats, reducing errors and ensuring insurance compliance.

- Universal Compatibility: S10.AI works across all specialties, including psychotherapy, and integrates with any EHR system, making it a versatile tool AI for therapists.

- Burnout Reduction: By automating repetitive tasks, therapists can focus on patient care, addressing the 73% burnout rate reported by clinicians.

- Customizable Templates: S10.AI offers tailored SOAP note templates for licensed therapists, adaptable to individual practice needs.

Case Study: Dr. Sarah Thompson, a licensed therapist, reduced her documentation time by 50% using S10.AI’s AI medical scribe. “I spend more time connecting with clients instead of typing notes,” she says. “The AI generates accurate mental health SOAP note examples that align with my clinical style.”

Documentation Tips for Therapists

Effective clinical note writing in psychotherapy enhances client care and streamlines workflows. Here are expert documentation tips for therapists:

- Write Promptly: Complete notes within a few hours of the session to ensure accuracy.

- Be Concise: Aim for half to one page, focusing on essential details.

- Use Evidence-Based Tools: Incorporate standardized assessments (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) to support your mental health SOAP note examples.

- Leverage AI Tools: Use AI in healthcare solutions like S10.AI to automate note-taking and reduce burnout.

- Maintain Compliance: Ensure notes meet HIPAA and insurance standards, using patient-centered, respectful language.

Review Past Notes: Check previous psychotherapy session documentation to track progress and inform treatment plans.

FAQ: Common Questions About SOAP Notes in Psychotherapy

1) What does a SOAP note for therapy look like?

A SOAP note includes four sections: Subjective (client’s self-reported concerns), Objective (observable data), Assessment (clinical judgment), and Plan (next steps). See the SOAP note examples for psychotherapy above for detailed samples.

2) How do I write a therapy SOAP note for the first session?

For the first session, focus on the client’s presenting problem, relevant history, and initial treatment goals. Include a baseline mental status exam and outline a clear plan for future sessions. Refer to the how to write a therapy SOAP note for first session example above.

3) How do AI medical scribes improve SOAP note documentation?

AI medical scribes like S10.AI transcribe sessions, generate structured SOAP documentation for therapy sessions, and integrate with EHRs like Epic and Cerner, saving time and ensuring compliance.

4) What’s the difference between SOAP and DAP notes?

SOAP notes separate subjective and objective data, making them ideal for detailed, interdisciplinary documentation. DAP notes combine these into a “Data” section, offering a simpler but less granular format.

 

5) What are some common symptoms and behaviors to document for anxiety, depression, and acute stress in SOAP notes?

When documenting psychotherapy sessions, it's crucial to capture the hallmark symptoms and observable behaviors associated with specific mental health conditions. Below are typical findings you may encounter when completing SOAP notes for anxiety, depression, and acute stress.
Anxiety

Subjective signs:

Reports of persistent worry, apprehension, or anticipatory fear (e.g., “I’m always expecting the worst”).
Feelings of restlessness, muscle tension, or difficulty relaxing.
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or trouble staying asleep.
Difficulty concentrating due to racing thoughts.
Avoidance of situations that provoke anxiety.

Objective observations:

Fidgeting, tension in posture, or frequent shifting in the chair.
Rapid or pressured speech; tangential or circumstantial thought processes.
Observable signs of nervousness, such as shaky hands or difficulty maintaining eye contact.
Results from standardized tools, like a high GAD-7 score indicating severe anxiety.

Depression
Subjective signs:

Expressed feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness (e.g., “It feels like I can’t get myself motivated to do anything”).
Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Social withdrawal and isolation.
Disturbed or insufficient sleep, low motivation, decreased concentration.
Thoughts of guilt, shame, or ongoing low self-esteem.

Objective observations:

Flat or dull affect, minimal facial expression.
Disheveled appearance or poor self-care.
Slowed or halting speech; lack of eye contact.
Passive demeanor, reluctance to engage, or low energy levels.
Mental status exam may reveal low mood; Beck Depression Inventory or PHQ-9 scores may indicate moderate to severe depression.
Any reported or observed suicidal ideation should be clearly recorded, along with immediate safety planning if needed.

Acute Stress (Post-Trauma)
Subjective signs:

Reports of nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or flashbacks related to a recent traumatic event.
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma, resulting in changes to daily routine (e.g., not driving after a car accident).
Feelings of hypervigilance, being “on edge,” or heightened startle response.
Expressions of guilt, shame, self-blame, and impaired outlook toward the future.

Objective observations:

Visible uneasiness or hypervigilance (e.g., scanning the environment, appearing startled by routine noises).
Difficulty sitting still, nail picking, or tension in posture.
Mood often anxious with congruent affect.
Results from instruments like the PCL-5 may indicate severity of trauma-related symptoms.
Occasionally, guardedness when discussing the traumatic event or related memories.

By identifying and recording these common symptoms and behaviors in each section of the SOAP note—using clear, client-centered language—you’re ensuring both a thorough clinical record and support for ongoing treatment planning.


6) How can reviewing sample SOAP notes help improve documentation skills?

Studying sample SOAP notes can be an invaluable learning tool for any clinician aiming to sharpen their documentation skills. By observing real examples, you gain a clearer sense of what belongs in each section, from the client’s subjective experience to the therapist’s objective observations and assessment.
Furthermore, reviewing well-constructed SOAP notes reveals how to organize thoughts succinctly, ask the right guiding questions, and ensure that critical clinical details aren’t missed. It can also highlight effective phrasing and strategies for documenting therapeutic interventions and client progress—insights that are tougher to glean from templates alone.
Finally, analyzing other practitioners' notes encourages self-evaluation. Noticing what works (and what could be improved) in sample notes can spark ideas for making your own documentation clearer, more compliant, and ultimately more useful for both clinical practice and insurance purposes.

 

 

The ROI of AI Medical Scribes: Data-Driven Justification

Investing in AI medical scribes like S10.AI offers measurable benefits for mental health practices, particularly in resource-constrained settings:

- Time Savings: Therapists save 1-2 hours daily on documentation, allowing for 2-3 additional client sessions per day.

- Revenue Increase: Increased session capacity can boost practice revenue by 20-30%, based on average billing rates.

- Burnout Reduction: Automating clinical note writing in psychotherapy reduces administrative burden, addressing the 73% burnout rate.

- Compliance Assurance: AI-generated notes meet HIPAA and insurance standards, reducing audit risks.

- Scalability: S10.AI’s artificial intelligence tool works across specialties and integrates with any EHR, making it a cost-effective solution for practices of all sizes.

Conclusion

SOAP notes for psychotherapy are a cornerstone of effective mental health documentation, ensuring clarity, compliance, and collaboration. By following this SOAP note guide for mental health professionals and using psychotherapy SOAP note templates, therapists can streamline their workflows and enhance client care. AI in healthcare, particularly AI medical scribes like S10.AI, takes this further by automating SOAP documentation for therapy sessions, reducing burnout, and boosting productivity.

Ready to transform your documentation process? Discover how S10.AI’s best AI medical scribe can save you time and enhance your practice. Request a demo or explore our AI medical scribe solutions. Download our free SOAP note template for licensed therapists today and take the first step toward smarter documentation!

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People also ask

How can AI medical scribes improve the efficiency of SOAP notes in psychotherapy sessions?

AI medical scribes can significantly enhance the efficiency of creating SOAP notes in psychotherapy by automating the documentation process. These advanced tools can transcribe session details in real-time, ensuring that all critical information is accurately captured. This allows therapists to focus more on patient interaction rather than administrative tasks. By streamlining the documentation process, AI medical scribes help reduce errors and save time, making it easier for clinicians to maintain comprehensive and organized patient records. Exploring AI solutions for SOAP notes can lead to improved workflow and better patient care.

What are the best practices for writing SOAP notes in psychotherapy using AI tools?

When using AI tools to write SOAP notes in psychotherapy, it's essential to follow best practices to ensure accuracy and compliance. Start by clearly defining the Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan sections to maintain a structured format. Use AI to capture detailed session notes, but always review and edit for accuracy and completeness. Ensure that the AI tool is compliant with privacy regulations like HIPAA to protect patient information. Regularly update the AI system with new vocabulary and therapy-specific terms to enhance its effectiveness. Embracing these practices can lead to more efficient and reliable documentation.

Are there any examples of SOAP notes for psychotherapy that demonstrate the use of AI medical scribes?

Yes, there are several examples of SOAP notes for psychotherapy that illustrate the use of AI medical scribes. These examples typically showcase how AI can capture detailed subjective reports from patients, objective observations by the therapist, assessments of the patient's progress, and plans for future sessions. By using AI, these notes are often more comprehensive and organized, allowing for better tracking of patient progress over time. Reviewing such examples can provide valuable insights into how AI can be integrated into your practice to enhance documentation quality and efficiency.