DAP note template, with a counseling example
Used by: Therapists, counselors, social workers and case managers.
DAP stands for Data, Assessment and Plan. It folds the subjective and objective parts of a SOAP note into one Data section, which suits counseling sessions where most of the information is what the client says and how they present.
The template, section by section
Data
What the client reported and what you observed, including interventions used in the session.
- Client statements and themes
- Observations of mood, affect and behavior
- Interventions used
- Measures
Assessment
Your interpretation: progress toward goals, clinical impressions and risk.
- Progress toward goals
- Clinical impression
- Risk assessment
Plan
Next steps for treatment.
- Next session
- Homework
- Referrals and coordination
DAP note example
A synthetic example written for an invented patient. It is not a real patient record or medical advice.
Data
Client attended a 50-minute individual session. Reported sleeping 5 to 6 hours a night and feeling "flat" since a job loss 2 months ago. Spends most days at home; has stopped running. Appeared tired, affect constricted, speech slowed. PHQ-9 today 15. Explored the link between inactivity and low mood; introduced behavioral activation and scheduled three activities for the week, including a 15-minute walk on three days.
Assessment
Symptoms consistent with a moderate depressive episode in the context of job loss. Client engaged with behavioral activation and identified activities he used to enjoy. Denies suicidal ideation, intent or plan; protective factors include his children and a supportive brother. Risk low.
Plan
Weekly sessions. Homework: activity schedule and mood ratings. Recommended a primary care visit to discuss sleep and treatment options; client agreed to schedule it. Next session: review the schedule and add pleasant activities.
Tips from practice
- Keep observation and interpretation apart: Data is what happened, Assessment is what it means.
- Record risk assessment each session.
- Measures such as the PHQ-9 make progress visible over time.
Let the note write itself in this format
Scribeable writes the note from the visit in the template you choose and suggests the codes, and each sentence drawn from the visit links back to where it came from. You review and sign.
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Questions
- What does DAP stand for?
- Data, Assessment and Plan.
- Is DAP better than SOAP for therapy notes?
- Neither is required. DAP is shorter and suits counseling; SOAP separates subjective and objective information, which some settings prefer.
Reviewed 2026-11-08.