SOAP Notes vs. DAP Notes – Which One Should You Choose

Clinical documentation forms the backbone of quality mental health care. Whether you're a psychologist managing complex cases or a therapist in private practice handling back-to-back sessions, choosing the right note-taking format directly impacts your efficiency and patient outcomes. This guide breaks down SOAP and DAP notes to help you make the best choice for your practice.

Ready to transform your clinical workflow? Whether you're managing complex cases or juggling back-to-back sessions, the way you document matters. Discover how streamlined SOAP and DAP notes can boost your efficiency and elevate patient care.

What Are SOAP Notes in Mental Health?

SOAP notes meaning centers on a structured four-part documentation system that has become the gold standard in healthcare settings. Originally developed by Dr. Lawrence Weed in the 1960s, SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.

In mental health practice, SOAP notes provide a systematic approach to documenting patient encounters:

Subjective (S): The patient's perspective captured in their own words

• Current symptoms and concerns
• Mood descriptions
• Sleep patterns
• Appetite changes
• Relationship issues
• Substance use history

Objective (O): Your clinical observations and measurable data

• Mental status examination findings
• Behavioral observations
• Assessment scores (PHQ-9, GAD-7)
• Physical appearance
• Speech patterns
• Eye contact and engagement level

Assessment (A): Your professional analysis

• Diagnosis or diagnostic impressions
• Progress toward treatment goals
• Risk assessment
• Clinical formulation

Plan (P): Treatment strategy moving forward

• Specific interventions
• Homework assignments
• Medication recommendations
• Referrals
• Next appointment scheduling

Mental Health SOAP Note Example

Here's a practical soap note example mental health professionals can reference:

Date: 08/04/2025

Patient: Jane D., 32-year-old female

S: "The panic attacks are getting worse. I had three this week at work. I'm terrified I'll lose my job. I've been avoiding the break room because that's where the first one happened."

O: Patient appears anxious, wringing hands throughout the session. Speech was rapid but coherent. Maintains appropriate eye contact. GAD-7 score: 16 (severe anxiety). No suicidal ideation reported. Oriented x3.

A: Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia. Symptoms escalating with work-related triggers. Avoidant behaviours are developing. No current SI/HI. Motivated for treatment.

P:

• Begin exposure therapy protocol next session
• Teach the diaphragmatic breathing technique today
• Prescribe a daily anxiety log
• Consider a psychiatric evaluation if no improvement in 2 weeks
• Weekly sessions continue

What Is a DAP Note?

A DAP note streamlines clinical documentation by combining subjective and objective information into a single "Data" section. This three-part structure—Data, Assessment, Plan, reduces documentation time while maintaining essential clinical information.

DAP notes evolved from SOAP notes to address the time constraints faced by busy mental health professionals. By merging what patients say with what clinicians observe, DAP notes create a more narrative flow that many therapists find natural and efficient.

The structure includes:

Data (D): All relevant information from the session

• Patient statements
• Clinical observations
• Test results
• Behavioral descriptions
• Session content

Assessment (A): Clinical interpretation (identical to SOAP)

Plan (P): Treatment strategy (identical to SOAP)

DAP Notes Example for Therapy Sessions

Here's a clear DAP notes example for the same patient:

Date: 08/04/2025

Patient: Jane D.

D: Jane reports panic attacks increasing to three times this week, all occurring at work. States, "I'm terrified I'll lose my job," and admits to avoiding the break room where the first attack occurred. Presented as visibly anxious, wringing hands continuously. Speech was rapid but coherent. GAD-7 score: 16, indicating severe anxiety. Denies suicidal ideation. Alert and oriented.

A: Panic Disorder with emerging agoraphobic patterns. The work environment serves as the primary trigger. Avoidant behaviours are beginning to impact functioning. Motivated for treatment, no safety concerns.

P: Initiate exposure therapy protocol. Taught diaphragmatic breathing. Assigned daily anxiety log. Will consider psychiatric referral if no improvement within two weeks. Continue weekly sessions.

What Is the Main Difference Between SOAP Notes and DAP Notes?

The primary distinction lies in information organisation. SOAP notes maintain strict separation between subjective patient reports and objective clinical findings. DAP notes merge these elements for streamlined documentation.

SOAP vs DAP Notes: Which Format Suits Your Practice?

Different practice settings benefit from different documentation styles:

SOAP Notes Work Best For:

• Hospital psychiatric units
• Forensic evaluations
• Complex diagnostic assessments
• Training facilities
• Multi-disciplinary teams
• High-risk patient populations

DAP Notes Excel In:

• Private therapy practices
• Routine counselling sessions
• Time-limited appointments
• Telehealth platforms
• High-volume clinics
• Brief solution-focused therapy

What Is the Benefit of Using SOAP Notes?

SOAP notes offer distinct advantages for mental health documentation:

1. Legal Protection: Clear separation of patient statements from clinical observations provides stronger legal documentation. Courts prefer SOAP format for its transparency.

2. Insurance Compliance: Many insurance companies specifically request the SOAP format for reimbursement claims. The detailed structure supports medical necessity.

3. Clinical Clarity: Separating subjective from objective data prevents confusion about information sources. Critical for medication management and risk assessment.

4. Team Communication: When multiple providers treat one patient, SOAP notes ensure everyone understands what the patient reported versus what was clinically observed.

5. Training Tool: SOAP format teaches systematic thinking to psychology interns and psychiatry residents. The structure reinforces comprehensive assessment habits.

How to Choose Between SOAP and DAP Formats

Consider these decision factors:

Case Complexity:

• First-time evaluations → SOAP
• Established patients → DAP
• Crisis interventions → SOAP
• Maintenance therapy → DAP

Time Constraints:

• 45-60 minute sessions → Either format
• 30-minute sessions → DAP preferred
• Back-to-back scheduling → DAP

Documentation Requirements:

• Court-ordered treatment → SOAP
• Insurance audits likely → SOAP
• Private pay clients → Either
• Employee assistance programs → DAP

Technology Integration:

• Paper records → SOAP
• EHR with templates → Either
• Voice-to-text systems → DAP
• Mobile documentation → DAP

Best Practices for Mental Health Documentation

Regardless of format chosen:

Write Immediately Document within 24 hours while details remain fresh. Same-day documentation prevents errors and omissions.

Use Direct Quotes: Include brief, meaningful patient quotes that capture clinical significance. Avoid paraphrasing critical statements.

Maintain Objectivity: Document observations without interpretation in data sections. Save clinical judgments for assessment.

Include Risk Factors: Always document suicide/homicide assessment, even when negative. Protection for both patient and provider.

Track Progress: Reference previous sessions and treatment goals. Show clinical reasoning for interventions.

Common Documentation Mistakes to Avoid

SOAP Note Errors:

• Placing opinions in the objective section
• Writing excessive narrative
• Missing measurable goals
• Combining S and O sections

DAP Note Errors:

• Unclear information sources
• Insufficient detail for complex cases
• Rushed documentation
• Missing critical risk assessments

Making the Transition

From SOAP to DAP: Start with routine follow-up sessions. Maintain SOAP for evaluations and complex cases initially.

From DAP to SOAP: Begin using SOAP for new evaluations. Create section templates to speed documentation.

Conclusion

Both SOAP and DAP notes serve important roles in mental health documentation. Your choice depends on practice setting, case complexity, time availability, and documentation requirements. Many successful practices use both formats strategically, SOAP for comprehensive evaluations and complex cases, DAP for efficient routine documentation.

The key is consistency. Whether documenting in SOAP or DAP format, thorough and timely notes protect your practice while supporting quality patient care. Choose the format that you'll reliably complete after each session, because the best documentation system is the one you actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I switch between SOAP and DAP notes for the same patient?

Yes, you can use different formats based on session needs. Many clinicians use SOAP notes for initial evaluations and quarterly reviews, then switch to DAP notes for routine weekly sessions. Just ensure consistency within each individual note and clearly indicate any format changes in the patient's record.

Q2: Which format do insurance companies prefer for reimbursement?

Most insurance companies accept both formats, but some specifically request SOAP notes for their detailed structure and clear separation of subjective and objective data. Check with your specific insurance panels for their documentation requirements, as preferences vary by company and state regulations.

Q3: How much time should I allocate for writing each type of note?

SOAP notes typically require 10-15 minutes due to their four-section structure, while DAP notes average 5-8 minutes since they combine data into one section. Your documentation speed will improve with practice and the use of templates, regardless of the format chosen.

Q4: Are DAP notes legally sufficient for mental health documentation?

Yes, DAP notes meet legal documentation standards when written comprehensively with clear clinical reasoning and appropriate detail. However, SOAP notes may be preferred for high-risk cases or forensic settings due to their explicit separation of patient statements from clinical observations.

Q5: Should telehealth sessions use different documentation than in-person visits?

The same documentation standards apply to both telehealth and in-person sessions. Many telehealth providers prefer DAP notes for efficiency between back-to-back virtual appointments, but either format works as long as you document the session format and any technical issues that affected clinical assessment.

Q6: What is the difference between SOAP and DARP charting?

DARP (Data, Assessment, Response, Plan) charting adds a "Response" section to track how patients react to interventions, while SOAP notes use four sections without specific response documentation. DARP is commonly used in nursing settings where monitoring treatment response is critical, whereas SOAP remains standard in mental health and general medical documentation.

Q7: Is a SOAP note the same as a progress note?

A SOAP note is one specific type of progress note that uses the Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan format. Progress notes are the broader term encompassing all documentation styles, including SOAP, DAP, BIRP, and narrative formats that track patient treatment over time.

Q8: What are the main types of progress notes used in mental health?

The most common types include SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan), DAP (Data, Assessment, Plan), BIRP (Behavior, Intervention, Response, Plan), and GIRP (Goals, Intervention, Response, Plan) notes. Each format serves different clinical needs, with SOAP being most comprehensive and DAP being most time-efficient for routine sessions.

Q9: When should I use BIRP notes instead of SOAP notes?

BIRP notes work best for behavioral health settings where tracking specific behaviors and intervention responses is crucial, such as substance abuse treatment or behavioral modification programs. SOAP notes are better for complex diagnostic work and initial evaluations where separating subjective and objective data provides clearer clinical pictures.

Q10: Can I use different progress note formats in the same practice?

Yes, many practices use multiple formats based on specific needs SOAP for evaluations, DAP for routine therapy, and BIRP for behavioral interventions. Consistency within each patient's record and clear documentation standards across your practice ensure quality care regardless of format variations.