SOAP notes are a structured format for documenting therapy appointments. “SOAP” stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, and it helps clinicians keep documentation organized and consistent.
Why therapists use SOAP notes
- Improve clarity for clinical review and continuity of care
- Standardize documentation across appointments
- Support efficient auditing and reimbursement
- Make it easier to track progress over time
How the S, O, A, and P sections work
Each SOAP note section has a distinct purpose: capture the client’s report (S), document observable information (O), provide your clinical interpretation (A), and outline next steps (P).