The GIRP note: explained, with example and template

A format that starts from the treatment goal and tracks progress toward it. Here's how it's built, section by section.

No diagnoses — observations only.

What is a GIRP note?

GIRP stands for Goal, Intervention, Response and Plan — a format that starts from the session's treatment goal and, from there, describes the intervention, the client's response, and the next step. It keeps progress toward a concrete goal visible, session after session.

When do you choose GIRP?

GIRP works well when you're working with a client toward a concrete, recognizable goal and want to track how that progress develops. If the emphasis is more on behavior and the direct response to an intervention without a fixed goal upfront, BIRP often fits better. If you want a broader picture of the whole session, SOAP or DAP is the more logical choice.

The structure, section by section

G — Goal

The goal this session (or this part of the trajectory) is working toward — stated briefly and concretely.

I — Intervention

Which intervention you apply to work toward that goal.

R — Response

How the client responds to the intervention, and what that says about progress toward the goal.

P — Plan

The next step toward the goal: what follows in the next session, any homework.

A worked example

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

Draft — for illustration only

G — Goal

Goal: learning to set boundaries with colleagues at work.

I — Intervention

Practiced a role-play in which client K. declines a colleague's request.

R — Response

Client notices it feels tense but manages it within the role-play. Says she wants to try it once for real.

P — Plan

Next session: check in on how saying 'no' once at work went, adjust the goal if needed.

How Intuita drafts it from your session

After your session, Intuita turns the conversation into a GIRP 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 GIRP note

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