What does DAP stand for in therapy notes?

DAP stands for Data, Assessment, and Plan — a three-part format for behavioral health progress notes.

How long should a DAP note be?

Most DAP notes fit in three short paragraphs — one per section — but complexity of presentation may warrant more detail.

Is a DAP note compliant for insurance billing?

Yes. If Data supports diagnosis/medical necessity, Assessment documents your clinical reasoning, and Plan outlines treatment with timing/frequency, DAP can meet payer expectations.

When should I choose DAP over SOAP?

Choose DAP when you prefer a shorter, streamlined structure. Use SOAP if you need explicit separation of subjective vs objective observations or are collaborating across medical teams.

DARP adds a Response section between Assessment and Plan to capture how the client responded to interventions during the session.

Do I include risk in a DAP note?

Yes — include current risk level and safety planning in Assessment and Plan when clinically relevant.

Should I quote the client verbatim?

Include brief, relevant client quotes in Data to demonstrate session authenticity and capture phenomenology in the client’s voice.

How often should I update the Plan?

At each visit as clinically indicated, and at formal treatment-plan reviews (e.g., every 30–60 days or per payer policy).

How to write DAP Notes - Therapy Dial

How to Write DAP Notes (with Examples)

DAP notes keep documentation fast and focused: Data captures what happened, Assessment is your clinical read, and Plan sets clear next steps. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step workflow, real excerpts, and pro tips that stand up to audits.

What is a DAP note?

A DAP note is a three-section progress note (Data, Assessment, Plan) used widely in behavioral health. It gives you a straight line through the session: what happened, what it means, and what you’ll do about it. Many experienced clinicians prefer DAP for its speed and clarity.

New to note formats? Compare against SOAP notes and see how DAP plugs into your treatment plan.

When should you use DAP?

Great fit

Solo practice or small team needing speed and consistency
Clear sessions with targeted goals and low admin complexity
Experienced clinicians who don’t need heavy scaffolding

Consider SOAP instead

Multidisciplinary settings needing explicit subjective vs objective
High-acuity or medically complex cases
When multiple providers will read and co-author notes

DAP flow (at-a-glance)

A simple visual: what happened → what it means → what we’ll do next.

How to write DAP notes

1) Data

Client report (symptoms, stressors, functioning) — include brief direct quotes
Observable data (appearance, affect, behavior, MSE elements)
Interventions attempted and client’s immediate reactions
Scales/scores (PHQ-9, GAD-7), vitals if relevant

2) Assessment

Diagnosis and clinical formulation (tie back to Data)
Progress since prior visit: improving, stable, or worsening
Risk assessment (SI/HI, protective factors, safety plan status)

3) Plan

Interventions/modality, frequency, homework
Referrals/coordination, labs/med consult if applicable
Next review date or treatment-plan update window

DAP note examples

Example #1 — Individual therapy (anxiety)

Client: Peter Patient | DOB: 05/15/1985 | DOS: 11/17/2023 | Time: 2:01–3:04 PM | Location: Office

Data:
Client reports “I’m on edge at work and not sleeping.” Restlessness, poor concentration.
Tried 4-7-8 breathing during session; client completed 3 cycles and reported slight relief.
GAD-7 today: 13 (previous 15). Affect anxious, cooperative; no psychosis; oriented x4.

Assessment:
GAD (F41.1) with modest improvement vs last visit; anticipatory worry re deadlines.
No current SI/HI; protective factors: partner support, consistent attendance.

Plan:
CBT-focused sessions weekly x4; daily breathing practice (5 min AM/PM);
introduce PMR audio next visit; track sleep in journal; recheck GAD-7 in 2 weeks.

Example #2 — Medication management

Client: Alex R. | DOS: 03/04/2025 | Telehealth

Data:
Reports improved focus but mid-day anxiety; PHQ-9 = 7 (↓ from 11); GAD-7 = 12.
On sertraline 50 mg qAM; no side effects except mild nausea day 1–3. Denies SI/HI.

Assessment:
MDD, recurrent, mild (F33.0) improving; residual performance anxiety likely situational.

Plan:
Continue sertraline 50 mg; add hydroxyzine 10 mg PRN performance situations (review risks/benefits).
Coordinate with therapist re exposure hierarchy; follow-up 3 weeks; safety plan reviewed.

Example #3 — Brief couples session (DAP condensed)

Data:
Partners describe conflict over chores. Observed escalation pattern; used time-out skill in session.

Assessment:
Communication deficits with negative sentiment override; no IPV disclosed; both motivated.

Plan:
Weekly EFT-informed sessions x6; assign 2x/week check-in ritual; practice softened start-up.

Tips & common mistakes

Pro tips

Block 5–7 minutes post-session for a quick DAP draft, then finalize at day’s end.
Use one short client quote per note to anchor authenticity.
Tie every Plan item to something in Data or Assessment.
Set review reminders (30–60 days) for formal plan updates.

Common mistakes

Vagueness: “doing better” without scale or behavior change.
Shorthand: avoid internal abbreviations others won’t recognize.
Over-narration: long play-by-play that obscures clinical essentials.

DAP vs SOAP vs BIRP (quick compare)

Format

Core sections

Best when…

Watchouts

DAP

Data · Assessment · Plan

Speed and clarity in solo/small practices

Risk of skipping objective detail if rushed

SOAP

Subjective · Objective · Assessment · Plan

Medical teams; explicit S vs O separation

May feel longer; template bloat

BIRP

Behavior · Intervention · Response · Plan

Behavior-focused programs; measurable responses

Less narrative space for formulation

Want deeper dives? See progress notes, SOAP notes, and intake documentation best practices. When it’s time to close care, see our discharge summary guide.

What is a DARP note?

DARP = DAP with an added Response section to capture how the client responded to interventions. Use when you need closer tracking of adherence, affect tolerance, or skill acquisition.

Data → Assessment → Response → Plan
Example Response: “Used grounding in-session; HR ↓ from 96 to 78; client rated distress 7→4.”

Want cleaner, faster documentation?

We help teams streamline progress notes and treatment plans aligned to payer standards.

Talk to a practice consultant

Frequently asked questions

How fast should I write my DAP notes?

Aim for a quick draft within 5–7 minutes post-session, then a same-day finalize pass.

Do I need exact quotes?

One short, meaningful quote helps convey authenticity and clinical nuance.

Where do I put risk?

Document risk in Assessment and safety steps in Plan (e.g., safety plan reviewed, crisis resources given).

What if the client missed the appointment?

Document no-show/late-cancel under Data with outreach actions; follow practice and payer policy.

Author & Reviewer

Created by the TherapyDial Editorial Team. Clinically reviewed by licensed therapists for clarity and compliance.

How to write DAP Notes

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