Understanding DAP Notes
DAP notes provide a streamlined approach to therapy documentation focusing on data, assessment, and planning
D - Data
Objective information and observable facts from the session
Examples:
- • Client arrived 10 minutes late, appeared well-groomed and appropriately dressed
- • Maintained steady eye contact throughout 50-minute session
- • Spoke in measured tone, no signs of psychomotor agitation
Key Points:
- • Include only factual, observable information
- • Document assessment scores and measurements
A - Assessment
Clinical analysis, progress evaluation, and professional judgment
Examples:
- • Client demonstrates continued progress in managing anxiety symptoms
- • Shows improved insight into relationship patterns and triggers
- • Exhibits good therapeutic alliance and engagement in treatment
Key Points:
- • Analyze progress toward treatment goals
- • Evaluate effectiveness of interventions
P - Plan
Treatment goals, interventions, and next steps
Examples:
- • Continue weekly CBT sessions focusing on anxiety management techniques
- • Assign homework: practice mindfulness exercises 10 minutes daily
- • Schedule psychiatric consultation for medication evaluation
Key Points:
- • Set specific, measurable objectives
- • Plan interventions for upcoming sessions
DAP Note Template
Copy and customize this template for your therapy practice
DAP Progress Note Template
DATA:
Attendance: [On time/late/early, participation level]
Appearance: [Grooming, dress, physical presentation]
Mood/Affect: [Observable emotional state and expression]
Behavior: [Actions, mannerisms, engagement during session]
Speech: [Rate, volume, coherence, spontaneity]
Cognitive: [Thought process, concentration, memory]
Assessment Scores: [Standardized measures if used]
Homework Review: [Completion and quality of assignments]
ASSESSMENT:
Progress Toward Goals: [Movement on treatment objectives]
Symptom Changes: [Improvement, worsening, or stability]
Therapeutic Alliance: [Quality of relationship and engagement]
Insight Level: [Client's understanding of issues and patterns]
Coping Skills: [Use and effectiveness of strategies]
Risk Assessment: [Safety concerns if applicable]
Treatment Response: [Effectiveness of current interventions]
PLAN:
Treatment Goals: [Specific objectives for upcoming sessions]
Interventions: [Planned therapeutic techniques and approaches]
Homework Assignments: [Between-session tasks and practice]
Session Frequency: [Scheduling for future appointments]
Referrals: [Other services or providers if needed]
Treatment Modifications: [Changes to approach if indicated]
Next Session Focus: [Primary areas to address]
DAP Note Examples
Real-world examples from different therapy settings and specialties
Individual Therapy - Depression
Session 8 of 12, 50 minutes
Data:
Client arrived on time, appeared tired but well-groomed. Maintained appropriate eye contact and engaged readily in conversation. Reported improved sleep (7-8 hours nightly) and appetite returning to normal. PHQ-9 score decreased from 15 to 9 over past month. Client completed all assigned homework including daily mood tracking and behavioral activation activities.
Assessment:
Significant improvement in depressive symptoms evidenced by decreased PHQ-9 score and client's self-report. Behavioral activation strategies have been effective in increasing client's activity level and social engagement. Client demonstrates good insight into connection between activities and mood. Therapeutic alliance remains strong with excellent session attendance and homework compliance.
Plan:
Continue weekly CBT sessions with focus on relapse prevention strategies. Introduce cognitive restructuring techniques to address remaining negative thought patterns. Homework: maintain activity scheduling and add thought record for negative mood episodes. Reassess depression severity in 2 weeks. Consider transitioning to bi-weekly sessions if continued improvement.
Family Therapy - Adolescent Issues
Session 5 of ongoing treatment, 60 minutes
Data:
All family members present (parents and 16-year-old daughter). Daughter participated more actively than previous sessions, making eye contact with parents during discussion. Parents demonstrated improved listening skills, interrupting less frequently. Family completed communication homework assignment with 4 out of 7 days successful. Daughter reported feeling 'more heard' by parents this week.
Assessment:
Notable improvement in family communication patterns. Daughter's increased participation suggests growing trust in therapeutic process. Parents show progress in implementing active listening techniques. Family dynamics appear less conflictual with decreased defensive responses. Treatment goals around improved communication are being met progressively.
Plan:
Continue weekly family sessions focusing on conflict resolution skills. Introduce problem-solving framework for addressing household rules and expectations. Homework: family to practice weekly family meetings using communication skills learned. Schedule individual session with daughter next week to address personal concerns. Review family treatment goals in session 8.
Group Therapy - Anxiety Management
Group session, 90 minutes, 6 participants
Data:
Client attended full 90-minute group session, arriving on time. Participated in opening check-in and shared anxiety levels (7/10 at start, 4/10 at end). Engaged actively in mindfulness exercise and group discussion about coping strategies. Offered support to two other group members. Completed anxiety tracking worksheet during session.
Assessment:
Client continues to benefit from group format, showing increased comfort with sharing personal experiences. Demonstrates good understanding of anxiety management techniques taught in group. Peer support and feedback appear therapeutic for client. Anxiety levels show consistent reduction during group sessions, indicating effectiveness of interventions.
Plan:
Continue weekly group participation with focus on generalization of skills to daily life. Individual check-in scheduled for next week to address specific anxiety triggers. Client to practice group-learned techniques daily and report back to group. Consider graduation to monthly maintenance group in 4-6 weeks if progress continues.
DAP vs Other Note Formats
Understanding when to use DAP notes compared to SOAP and BIRP formats
| Format | Best For | Key Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAP | Therapy progress notes, treatment planning | Streamlined, focuses on progress and planning | Less detailed than SOAP for medical settings |
| SOAP | Medical settings, comprehensive documentation | Detailed, systematic, widely recognized | Can be lengthy for routine therapy sessions |
| BIRP | Mental health, behavioral interventions | Intervention-focused, clear response tracking | May not capture all clinical data needed |
DAP Note Best Practices
Guidelines for effective DAP note documentation
Effective Practices
- Keep data section factual and observable
- Connect assessment to treatment goals
- Make plans specific and actionable
- Document progress consistently
- Include risk assessment when relevant
Common Pitfalls
- ✗Mixing interpretations with data
- ✗Vague assessment statements
- ✗Generic treatment plans
- ✗Inconsistent progress tracking
- ✗Failing to update treatment approach