You just finished a breakthrough ABA session with a client, but you still have four more therapy sessions today and a mountain of session notes due tomorrow. Sound familiar?
This guide covers all you need to know about ABA notes, which notes generator platforms actually work for our field, and how to select which.
ABA Session Notes Are Different
ABA session notes are markedly different from regular therapy/ medical notes, so a generator needs to address these requirements
1. Behavior-Specific Language: Medical: "Patient was agitated"ABA session: "Client engaged in 3 instances of hitting, lasting 2-5 seconds each, following task demands"
2. Data Integration: ABA notes must connect to trial results: "Client achieved 8/10 correct responses on receptive identification tasks"
3. Objective Language Only: Insurance auditors want facts for informed decisions. Every behavior must be observable and measurable to track progress.
4. Insurance Documentation Requirements
- CPT codes for therapy sessions (97153, 97155, etc.)
- Medical necessity justification
- Specific intervention descriptions to manage compliance
Best ABA Notes Generator Tools for Behavior Analysts
Not all notes generator platforms understand ABA needs. Here's what actually works to save hours on the note taking process.
Supanote.ai: Built for Customization
Why this platform works for ABA: Supanote.ai offers customizable templates specifically for ABA. You can create ABA-specific formats with all required insurance elements and manage client profiles effectively.
Key features:
- Custom templates for RBT vs. BCBA session notes
- Data integration fields for detailed session notes
- Behavior-specific language suggestions and techniques
- Insurance compliance checking to correct errors
- Personal writing style adaptation for ABA professionals
Best for: Clinics wanting complete control over their documentation process and access to advanced features
Mentalyc: Behavioral Health Focus
Why this tool works for ABA: Built specifically for behavioral health providers with strong understanding of ABA session terminology and documentation structure.
Key features:
- Some pre-built ABA session notes templates
- Behavior-focused language processing for therapy sessions
- Integration with ABA data collection tools to track progress
- Insurance audit readiness to manage compliance
- Team collaboration features for other professionals
Best for: Practice teams using behavioral health EHRs who want faster implementation
Upheal: ABA-Aware Documentation
Key features for this platform:
- ABA session notes templates for writing session notes
- Basic data integration to log client information
- HIPAA-compliant storage for sensitive information security
- Multi-provider support for therapists and analysts
Best for: Smaller practice teams wanting straightforward ABA session documentation
Quick Comparison
- Most customizable: Supanote.ai platform
- Best ABA understanding: Supanote.ai and Mentalyc
- Most user friendly: Supaote and Upheal (Mentalyc's interface can be a bit unweildy)
Sample ABA Session Notes
RBT Session Notes Example
Client: Sarah M. | DOB: 03/15/2018 | Date: July 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Provider: Jennifer K., RBT
Current Status: Client arrived alert, made eye contact, said "Hi Jennifer" without prompting during this ABA session.
Interventions and Techniques:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET) strategies
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Session Summary: Client completed 45 DTT trials targeting receptive identification of body parts during therapy. Achieved 38/45 correct responses (84% accuracy), improving from 76% last session to track significant progress.
During NET, client spontaneously requested "more" using PECS 6 times during snack. Demonstrated 4 instances of appropriate sharing with other clients.
Brief tantrum at 11:15 AM (3 minutes) when activity ended. Threw 2 items, cried loudly. Used planned ignoring per BIP. Client self-regulated, returned to task with verbal prompt for the next session activity.
Progress Tracking:
- Receptive identification: 84% (goal: 85%)
- Spontaneous requesting: 6 instances (goal: 5)
- Sharing: 4 instances (goal: 3)
BCBA Supervision Session Notes
Objective: Review of data shows vocal mands increased from 12% to 28% accuracy during therapy sessions. On-task behavior: 65% average. Aggressive behaviors decreased from 8 to 3 per day to track improvement.
Assessment: Progress in communication correlates with reduced problem behaviors, supporting functional communication hypothesis for informed decisions.
Plan: Increase vocal mand targets from 5 to 8 per next session. Add generalization training techniques. Schedule parent training for other professionals next week.
Common ABA Documentation Errors
Error #1: Subjective Language
Wrong: "Tommy was frustrated"
Right: "Tommy threw materials 3 times, said 'no math' when presented worksheet"
Error #2: Vague Interventions
Wrong: "Used prompting"
Right: "Used least-to-most prompting: verbal, gestural, physical guidance techniques"
Error #3: Missing Data
Wrong: "Client did well"
Right: "Client achieved 15/20 correct responses (75% accuracy) to track progress"
Error #4: Poor Goal Documentation
Wrong: "Working on communication"
Right: "Client will request items using 2-word phrases in 8/10 opportunities"
How to Choose the Right Session Notes Generator?
Must-Have Features
ABA-Specific Templates
- Behavior observations sections for detailed session notes
- Intervention documentation to log strategies
- Data integration to track client information
- Insurance compliance elements for documentation requirements
Customization Options
- Custom template creation for writing session notes
- Role-based templates for therapists and analysts
- Personal writing style adaptation for ABA professionals
Security and Access
- Data security for sensitive information
- HIPAA compliance for client profiles
- Multi-user access for practice teams
- Single click export options
Questions to Ask
- Can I customize templates for different ABA session note types?
- Does this tool integrate with my EHR/data system to manage client information?
- How does this platform handle ABA terminology and techniques?
- Can I try this notes generator free first?
- Is there ABA-specific customer support from users and other professionals?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my insurance accept notes generated by an ABA notes generator?
A: Yes, if they contain all required elements and are reviewed by a licensed professional. Content matters more than the creation process.
Q: How much time will this session notes generator actually save hours for therapists?
A: Most ABA professionals save 30-50% of documentation time—about 1-2 hours daily for full-time practice staff writing session notes.
Q: Do these tools really understand ABA session language and techniques?
A: It depends on the platform. Tools like Supanote built for behavioral health perform much better than general medical notes generator options. Always test with your actual ABA notes first.
Q: Can I use this if my practice already has an EHR to manage documentation?
A: Most session notes generator platforms integrate with existing systems or can export to your EHR format. Supanote for example, integrates with all major EHRs so you can directly generate notes from within your EHR
Q: What if the notes generator writes something wrong about my clients?
A: Always review and correct errors. You're responsible for accuracy. Most platforms learn from your corrections to track improvement.
Q: Is it worth the monthly cost to save hours on the note taking process?
A: Calculate your hourly documentation rate. If you're spending 2 hours daily on session notes at $30/hour, that's $300/week. Most ABA notes generator tools cost $50-100/month.
Q: Can my therapists and behavior analysts share one account to access the platform?
A: Most platforms offer team accounts with different access levels and templates for each role in your practice.
Q: What happens to my ABA session notes if I cancel the service?
A: Check export policies for sensitive information security. Reputable platforms let you download all your documentation with a single click.
Q: How quickly can my team start using this session notes generator?
A: Basic use typically takes 30-minutes of training for the note taking process. Full optimization might take 2-3 weeks as your team learns the best templates.
Q: Will this help with insurance audits and documentation requirements?
A: Yes, if you choose a notes generator with compliance features. AI can actually improve audit readiness by ensuring consistent formatting and required elements.
Q: Do I still need to collect data separately from writing session notes?
A: ABA notes generator tools help with documentation, not data collection. You'll still need your data collection apps, but some platforms can integrate that data into session notes.
Q: How do I ensure data security when using a session notes generator for sensitive information?
A: Look for HIPAA-compliant platforms with proper security measures. All reputable ABA notes generator tools should meet healthcare data security standards.
Q: Can multiple therapists log into the same platform to manage client profiles?
A: Yes, most session notes generator platforms support multiple users with different access levels for therapists, behavior analysts, and other professionals.
Conclusion
ABA notes generator tools aren't just convenient—they're becoming essential for therapy sessions where therapists want to focus on clients instead of paperwork and save hours on documentation. These note tools will also capture progress toward goals, key details, and relevant information, saving you not just time but also cognitive energy.
The key is choosing a session notes generator that understands applied behavior analysis requirements and makes accurate observations. Start with free trials of Supanote.ai and Mentalyc platforms. Test them with your actual ABA session notes and see which produces better documentation for your practice.
Your clients need you providing therapy sessions, not writing session notes until 9 PM. The right notes generator gives you that time back—time to do what you do best: changing lives through applied behavior analysis.