The Complete Guide to DAP Notes
Master DAP note documentation for mental health and counseling. Learn the Data, Assessment, Plan format with real-world examples and best practices for 2026.
What Are DAP Notes?
DAP notes are a streamlined clinical documentation format designed specifically for mental health and counseling settings. The acronym stands for Data, Assessment, and Plan—three sections that capture the essential elements of a therapeutic encounter.
Unlike SOAP notes which separate subjective and objective data, DAP notes combine all observable and reported information into a single "Data" section. This makes DAP notes particularly efficient for therapy sessions where the distinction between subjective reports and objective observations is less clinically significant.
Why Mental Health Professionals Prefer DAP Notes
- Faster documentation: Three sections instead of four reduces writing time
- Flexible data capture: No need to separate client reports from observations
- Focus on process: Emphasizes therapeutic progress and treatment planning
- Insurance compliant: Meets documentation requirements for billing
DAP Note Format Explained
Each section of a DAP note serves a specific purpose. Here's how to write each one effectively.
Data
Combines subjective and objective information about the client
What to Include:
Example
Client arrived on time and appeared well-groomed. Reported "feeling more hopeful this week" and described sleeping 7 hours nightly (up from 4). PHQ-9 score decreased from 18 to 12. Client discussed conflict with spouse regarding finances. Affect was brighter than previous session, with appropriate emotional range. Maintained good eye contact throughout.
Pro Tips:
- •Include direct quotes when significant
- •Note both verbal and non-verbal observations
- •Document measurable changes
Assessment
Your clinical interpretation of the client's presentation and progress
What to Include:
Example
Client demonstrates moderate improvement in depressive symptoms as evidenced by improved sleep, brighter affect, and decreased PHQ-9 score. Financial stress with spouse appears to be a significant contributing stressor. Client shows good insight into connection between interpersonal conflict and mood symptoms. No suicidal ideation reported; safety plan remains in place. Current treatment approach appears effective.
Pro Tips:
- •Connect observations to treatment goals
- •Always document risk assessment
- •Use clinical judgment language
Plan
Next steps for treatment and future sessions
What to Include:
Example
1. Continue weekly CBT sessions (session 6 of 12) 2. Introduce couples communication techniques for next session 3. Homework: Practice "I statements" during financial discussions with spouse; continue sleep hygiene routine 4. Consider couples therapy referral if financial conflict persists 5. Next session: Tuesday, January 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Pro Tips:
- •Be specific and actionable
- •Include measurable homework
- •Document referral rationale
DAP Notes vs SOAP Notes
Understanding when to use DAP vs SOAP notes helps you choose the right format for your practice.
| Aspect | DAP Notes | SOAP Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 3 sections (Data, Assessment, Plan) | 4 sections (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) |
| Data Organization | Combines subjective & objective in "Data" | Separates subjective from objective |
| Best For | Mental health, counseling, therapy | Medical, primary care, hospitals |
| Documentation Time | Generally faster to complete | More detailed, takes longer |
| Focus | Therapeutic process and progress | Medical diagnosis and treatment |
Use DAP Notes When:
- Providing individual or group therapy
- Working in counseling or social work
- Physical examination isn't part of care
- You need faster documentation
Use SOAP Notes When:
- Conducting physical examinations
- Working in primary care or hospitals
- Lab results or vital signs are key
- Organization requires this format
DAP Note Examples by Setting
See how DAP notes are used across different mental health specialties.
Individual Therapy
Adult client with generalized anxiety disorder
Client reports increased anxiety related to upcoming job interview. States "I can't stop thinking about all the ways it could go wrong." Sleep disrupted (5 hours vs typical 7). Practiced breathing exercises twice this week. GAD-7 score: 14 (moderate). Appeared restless during session, fidgeting with hands. Voice trembled when discussing interview.
Anticipatory anxiety elevated due to specific stressor (job interview). Client demonstrates partial use of coping strategies but struggling to generalize skills under acute stress. No panic attacks reported. Overall GAD symptoms remain in moderate range but may be temporarily elevated due to situational stressor.
1. Review and practice cognitive restructuring for catastrophic thinking 2. Role-play interview scenarios to build confidence 3. Homework: Complete thought record for interview-related anxious thoughts; practice 4-7-8 breathing daily 4. Schedule session for day after interview to process experience 5. Next session: Monday, January 20, 2026
Substance Use Counseling
Client in early recovery from alcohol use disorder
Client reports 45 days of sobriety. Attended 5 AA meetings this week. States "The cravings are still there but they're getting shorter." Identified high-risk situation: friend's birthday party next weekend. AUDIT-C score: 2 (down from 8 at intake). Mood appeared stable. Discussed strengthening relationship with sponsor.
Client demonstrates strong early recovery with consistent meeting attendance and developing support network. Appropriate awareness of high-risk situations indicates good relapse prevention insight. Cravings diminishing in frequency and intensity as expected at this stage. Sponsor relationship is a protective factor.
1. Develop detailed plan for managing birthday party trigger 2. Review HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) awareness 3. Homework: Call sponsor before and after party; identify exit strategy 4. Continue weekly individual sessions + daily AA meetings 5. Next session: Thursday, January 16, 2026
Child/Adolescent Therapy
14-year-old with social anxiety
Teen reported eating lunch alone at school 3 days this week. Parent reports client has been "more willing to talk about feelings at home." Client made eye contact more frequently today. Discussed fear of judgment from peers. Drew picture depicting isolation. SCARED score: 28 (moderate anxiety).
Social anxiety continues to significantly impact school functioning. However, improved communication at home and better session engagement suggest increasing emotional awareness and openness to treatment. Art expression reveals internalized feelings of isolation. School avoidance behaviors warrant continued monitoring.
1. Begin exposure hierarchy for cafeteria situations 2. Identify one "safe" peer to practice approaching 3. Homework: Sit within 10 feet of peers at lunch once; journal about the experience 4. Parent session scheduled for January 22 to coordinate support 5. Next session: Wednesday, January 15, 2026
Common DAP Note Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these common documentation errors to write better DAP notes.
Combining Assessment with Data
"Client seemed depressed" in the Data section
Data: "Client reported feeling sad, spoke slowly, minimal eye contact." Assessment: "Presentation consistent with depressive symptoms."
Vague or Missing Plans
"Continue therapy"
"Continue weekly CBT sessions focusing on behavioral activation. Next session: Introduce activity scheduling. Homework: Complete mood log daily."
Omitting Risk Assessment
No mention of safety in Assessment
"No suicidal or homicidal ideation reported. Client denies self-harm urges. Safety plan reviewed and remains in place."
Using Jargon Without Context
"Client is resistant"
"Client expressed ambivalence about changing drinking patterns, stating he enjoys social drinking but acknowledges negative consequences."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DAP note?
A DAP note is a clinical documentation format used primarily in mental health and counseling settings. DAP stands for Data, Assessment, and Plan. The Data section combines subjective and objective information, Assessment contains clinical interpretation, and Plan outlines next steps for treatment.
What is the difference between DAP and SOAP notes?
The main difference is that DAP notes combine subjective and objective information into a single "Data" section, while SOAP notes separate them. DAP notes have 3 sections (Data, Assessment, Plan) while SOAP notes have 4 (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan). DAP is preferred in mental health settings, while SOAP is more common in medical settings.
When should I use DAP notes?
DAP notes are ideal for mental health counseling, psychotherapy, substance abuse treatment, social work, and behavioral health settings. They work well when the focus is on therapeutic process and progress rather than physical examination findings.
What should be included in the Data section of a DAP note?
The Data section should include client statements and quotes, observed behaviors and affect, reported symptoms, session engagement, relevant life events discussed, and any test scores or assessment results. It combines both what the client reports and what you observe.
Can AI help write DAP notes?
Yes, AI medical scribes like PatientNotes can automatically generate DAP notes by listening to therapy sessions. The AI captures the conversation and generates properly formatted notes including Data, Assessment, and Plan sections for clinician review, saving significant documentation time.