The DAP note: explained, with example and template

A compact format that brings facts, assessment and next step together in three parts. Here's how it's built, section by section.

No diagnoses — observations only.

What is a DAP note?

DAP stands for Data, Assessment and Plan — a compact triad that brings factual information, clinical assessment and the next step together in one clear note. The format is popular because it's faster to write than more elaborate variants, without losing clinical information.

When do you choose DAP?

DAP suits you well if you'd rather not separate what the client says from what you observe yourself, and prefer to combine that information under 'Data'. If you do want that distinction made explicit, SOAP is the more logical choice. If you work with a concrete behavior–intervention–response pattern, BIRP or GIRP often fit better with how your sessions unfold.

The structure, section by section

D — Data

What happened in the session: what the client reports and what you observe, combined into one factual overview.

A — Assessment

Your clinical interpretation of the Data: patterns, progress, what stands out compared to earlier sessions.

P — Plan

The next step: focus for the next session, any homework, points to follow.

A worked example

A fictional example — for illustration only, not based on a real client.

Draft — for illustration only

D — Data

Client J. reports that establishing a fixed sleep routine went better this week than in previous weeks. Appears more alert than in the last session, speaks with a bit more energy about the day.

A — Assessment

Clear improvement compared to session 3, where fatigue was a recurring topic. Motivation to maintain the routine seems present.

P — Plan

Next session: discuss what helped maintain the routine, and what happens on days it slips.

How Intuita drafts it from your session

After your session, Intuita turns the conversation into a DAP draft note — using the structure above. You read it through, adjust where needed, and sign off before it goes into your file.

AI-generated draft — you review and sign off

Frequently asked questions about the DAP note

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