GIRP Notes Guide 2026
Master the GIRP format for goal-focused therapy notes. Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan - the documentation method that keeps treatment objectives front and center.
Perfect for outcome-focused practices, insurance documentation, and treatment progress tracking.
Why Use GIRP Notes?
Goal-Centered Documentation
Every note explicitly ties to treatment plan goals, making progress tracking and outcomes measurement straightforward.
Insurance & Audit Ready
Clear goal-intervention-response connection demonstrates medical necessity and supports reimbursement claims.
Treatment Plan Alignment
Forces clinicians to connect session work to documented treatment goals, improving treatment fidelity.
Progress Visibility
The Response section explicitly addresses progress toward goals, making outcomes visible to all stakeholders.
The Four Components of GIRP Notes
Each section builds on the previous to create a complete picture of goal-directed treatment.
Goal
The specific treatment goal addressed in this session, directly from the treatment plan
Intervention
Clinical techniques and therapeutic interventions used to address the stated goal
Response
Client response to interventions and progress toward the stated goal
Plan
Next steps to continue progress toward the goal
Detailed GIRP Section Guide
What to include, examples, and tips for writing each section effectively.
Goal
The specific treatment goal addressed in this session, directly from the treatment plan
What to Include
- •Treatment plan goal being addressed
- •Short-term objectives targeted
- •Measurable outcome criteria
- •Connection to presenting problem
- •Client-stated goals when relevant
- •Goal modification if needed
Examples
Goal: Reduce frequency of panic attacks from daily to <2/week within 8 weeks (Treatment Plan Goal #2).
Goal: Client will identify and challenge 3 cognitive distortions per week to reduce depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 from 18 to <10).
Goal: Improve communication skills in marriage, specifically using "I" statements during conflicts (Couples Goal #1).
Pro Tips
- →Reference the specific treatment plan goal
- →Use SMART goal language when possible
- →Include measurable criteria
- →Note if goal has been modified
Intervention
Clinical techniques and therapeutic interventions used to address the stated goal
What to Include
- •Evidence-based techniques used
- •Therapeutic modality applied
- •Psychoeducation provided
- •Skills taught or practiced
- •Assessments administered
- •Homework assigned
Examples
Intervention: Taught diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Practiced interoceptive exposure (induced mild dizziness). Assigned daily relaxation practice log.
Intervention: Utilized CBT thought record to examine automatic negative thoughts. Identified cognitive distortions (fortune-telling, catastrophizing). Conducted behavioral experiment planning.
Intervention: Facilitated Gottman-style conflict resolution exercise. Modeled "I" statements. Role-played recent argument using new communication skills.
Pro Tips
- →Name specific evidence-based techniques
- →Include any assessments with scores
- →Document homework/between-session work
- →Connect intervention to the stated goal
Response
Client response to interventions and progress toward the stated goal
What to Include
- •Client engagement level
- •Response to specific techniques
- •Progress toward goal metrics
- •Barriers encountered
- •Insight demonstrated
- •Affect and behavior changes
Examples
Response: Client successfully completed interoceptive exposure with SUDs decreasing from 7 to 3. Reported "I can handle this feeling." Panic attacks reduced to 3 this week (down from 7 last week). Good progress toward goal.
Response: Client identified fortune-telling distortion independently. Struggled with alternative thought generation but engaged well with guided practice. PHQ-9 = 15 (down from 18). Moderate progress.
Response: Both partners practiced "I" statements. Wife showed quick mastery; husband required additional coaching. Couple reported one successful de-escalation using new skills. Goal on track.
Pro Tips
- →Include specific metrics when available
- →Note progress toward goal explicitly
- →Document any barriers to progress
- →Use client quotes when illustrative
Plan
Next steps to continue progress toward the goal
What to Include
- •Next session date and focus
- •Homework assignments
- •Goal modifications if needed
- •Referrals if indicated
- •Changes to treatment frequency
- •Coordination with other providers
Examples
Plan: Continue exposure work - progress to in-vivo exposure (crowded store) next session. HW: Daily relaxation practice, record panic symptoms. Next session: Thursday 3/21.
Plan: Focus on behavioral activation next session to address low motivation. HW: Complete 3 thought records, schedule one pleasurable activity. Reassess PHQ-9 at session 10.
Plan: Introduce "softened startup" technique. HW: Each partner initiates one conversation using "I" statements before next session. Consider transition to monthly maintenance after 4 more sessions if progress continues.
Pro Tips
- →Be specific about homework
- →Include timeframes
- →Note any goal or treatment changes
- →Reference next session focus
Complete GIRP Note Examples
Real clinical examples showing GIRP format across different diagnoses and treatment approaches.
Social Anxiety - Exposure Therapy
Diagnosis: Social Anxiety Disorder (F40.10)
Goal
Treatment Goal #1: Reduce social anxiety symptoms as measured by LSAS from 85 (severe) to <50 (moderate) through graduated exposure and cognitive restructuring.
Intervention
Reviewed exposure hierarchy. Conducted in-session exposure: initiated conversation with receptionist (hierarchy step 4). Pre-exposure SUDs: 7/10. Used cognitive coping statements during exposure. Debriefed experience and challenged catastrophic predictions. Assigned homework exposure: ask store employee for help finding item.
Response
Client completed in-session exposure successfully. Post-exposure SUDs: 4/10. Reported "it wasn't as bad as I expected - she was actually friendly." Identified that predicted outcome (rejection, humiliation) did not occur. LSAS at session 6: 72 (down from 85 at intake). Client expressing increased confidence in ability to manage anxiety. Good progress toward goal.
Plan
Continue graduated exposure - next session target hierarchy step 5 (small talk with acquaintance). HW: Complete store employee exposure 2x before next session, record SUDs and outcome. Reassess LSAS at session 9. Next session: Monday 3/25, 2:00 PM.
OCD - ERP Treatment
Diagnosis: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (F42.2)
Goal
Treatment Goal #1: Reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors as measured by Y-BOCS from 28 (severe) to <16 (mild) through Exposure and Response Prevention therapy.
Intervention
Conducted ERP exposure: touched doorknob without washing (contamination hierarchy step 6). Therapist modeled exposure first. Client engaged in response prevention for 45 minutes post-exposure. Processed anxiety curve and habituation. Reviewed between-session ERP practice - client completed 4/5 assigned exposures.
Response
Client tolerated doorknob exposure with initial SUDs of 8 decreasing to 4 by end of response prevention period. Demonstrated understanding of habituation principle: "My anxiety does come down if I don't wash." Between-session exposures mostly successful - reported one "slip" with hand sanitizer but recovered. Y-BOCS at session 8: 22 (down from 28). Steady progress toward goal.
Plan
Progress to hierarchy step 7 (touching bathroom faucet) next session. HW: Continue doorknob exposures daily, begin faucet exposures every other day, log SUDs. Discuss slip prevention strategies. Next session: Thursday 3/21. Consider Y-BOCS reassessment at session 12 for potential treatment phase transition.
Couples Therapy - Communication
Diagnosis: Partner Relational Problem (Z63.0)
Goal
Couples Goal #2: Reduce weekly arguments from 4+ to <1 through improved communication skills, specifically implementing Gottman method techniques for conflict management.
Intervention
Reviewed conflict log from past week. Taught "softened startup" technique - contrasting harsh vs. soft examples. Both partners practiced converting criticism to complaint format. Facilitated live practice: wife raised concern about household responsibilities using softened startup. Coached husband on accepting influence and validating.
Response
Wife demonstrated strong grasp of softened startup - successfully converted 3 criticisms to complaints. Husband initially defensive but responded well to coaching on validation. Couple reported 2 arguments this week (down from 4+ at intake). One argument de-escalated using timeout technique from session 3. Husband acknowledged "I can see how my defensiveness escalates things." Progress toward goal evident.
Plan
Next session: introduce repair attempts and de-escalation strategies. HW: Each partner practice one softened startup conversation, continue conflict log, use timeout if escalation begins. Reassess conflict frequency at session 8. If progress continues, discuss transition to maintenance phase. Next session: Tuesday 3/26, 5:00 PM.
Adolescent Depression - Behavioral Activation
Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate (F32.1)
Goal
Treatment Goal #1: Reduce depressive symptoms as measured by PHQ-A from 16 (moderate-severe) to <10 (mild) through behavioral activation, with secondary focus on increasing daily pleasurable activities from 0-1 to 3+.
Intervention
Reviewed activity log - client completed 2 of 5 planned activities. Explored barriers (low motivation, negative predictions). Used cognitive restructuring to challenge "it won't be fun anyway" thought. Collaboratively scheduled 5 activities for coming week with specific times. Introduced mood-activity connection worksheet. PHQ-A administered: score = 13.
Response
Client initially resistant ("nothing sounds fun") but engaged when therapist normalized low motivation in depression. Showed insight into mood-activity relationship: "I guess I did feel a little better after I went to the park." PHQ-A decreased from 16 to 13 - modest but meaningful improvement. Barrier identification helpful - low motivation and negative predictions primary obstacles. Partial progress toward goal.
Plan
Continue behavioral activation with focus on overcoming motivation barriers. Next session: review activity log, troubleshoot barriers, potentially introduce mastery vs. pleasure ratings. HW: Complete 5 scheduled activities, rate mood before/after each. Consider involving parents in supporting activity completion if pattern of non-completion continues. PHQ-A reassessment at session 8. Next session: Friday 3/22, 4:00 PM.
PTSD - CPT Treatment
Diagnosis: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (F43.10)
Goal
Treatment Goal #1: Reduce PTSD symptoms as measured by PCL-5 from 58 (probable PTSD) to <33 (below clinical threshold) through completion of CPT protocol, focusing on stuck points related to safety and trust.
Intervention
Reviewed trauma account revision (3rd reading). Identified stuck point: "I should have known it would happen." Completed Challenging Questions Worksheet targeting self-blame cognition. Explored evidence for/against, examined alternative perspectives. Introduced Patterns of Problematic Thinking worksheet focusing on hindsight bias.
Response
Client showed emotional engagement with trauma account - appropriate affect, no dissociation. Successfully identified hindsight bias in self-blame thought: "I'm judging my past self with information I didn't have." Belief rating in "I should have known" decreased from 85% to 50%. PCL-5 at session 10: 42 (down from 58 at intake). Significant progress toward goal. Nightmares reduced from nightly to 2x/week.
Plan
Continue CPT - next session focus on safety stuck points. HW: Complete Challenging Beliefs Worksheet on "The world is completely dangerous" stuck point. Practice self-compassion statement when self-blame thoughts arise. PCL-5 at session 12 to assess for possible early termination if symptoms continue declining. Next session: Wednesday 3/20, 11:00 AM.
GIRP vs. Other Documentation Formats
Compare GIRP to other progress note formats to choose the right one for your practice.
| Format | Stands For | Focus | Best For | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIRP | Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan | Treatment goals and progress | Goal-oriented therapy, outcome tracking | Keeps goals front and center |
| BIRP | Behavior, Intervention, Response, Plan | Client presentation and behavior | Behavioral observations, mental health | Captures detailed behavioral data |
| SOAP | Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan | Comprehensive clinical picture | Medical settings, integrated care | Universal format, interdisciplinary |
| DAP | Data, Assessment, Plan | Efficiency and brevity | High-volume settings, brief therapy | Streamlined documentation |
| PIRP | Problem, Intervention, Response, Plan | Problem-focused treatment | Crisis work, problem-oriented care | Clear problem-intervention link |
GIRP Writing Tips: Do's and Don'ts
Practical guidance for writing effective GIRP notes.
Goal Section
Do
- ✓Reference specific treatment plan goal number
- ✓Include measurable criteria (scores, frequencies)
- ✓Use SMART goal language
- ✓Note if goal has been modified this session
Don't
- ✗Write vague goals ("improve mood")
- ✗Change goals without documentation
- ✗Include multiple unrelated goals
- ✗Skip the goal section even briefly
Intervention Section
Do
- ✓Name specific evidence-based techniques
- ✓Include assessment scores when administered
- ✓Document homework assigned
- ✓Connect intervention to the stated goal
Don't
- ✗Write "processed feelings" without specifics
- ✗Use jargon without explanation
- ✗Skip technique names ("did therapy")
- ✗Include interventions unrelated to goal
Response Section
Do
- ✓Explicitly state progress toward goal
- ✓Include quantitative metrics when possible
- ✓Document barriers encountered
- ✓Note client insight or skill mastery
Don't
- ✗Say only "client engaged well"
- ✗Avoid stating no progress if true
- ✗Skip SUDs ratings after exposures
- ✗Ignore treatment-interfering behaviors
Plan Section
Do
- ✓Specify next session date and focus
- ✓Detail homework with specific instructions
- ✓Note any goal or treatment modifications
- ✓Include referrals if made
Don't
- ✗Write only "continue treatment"
- ✗Leave homework vague
- ✗Forget to mention next session
- ✗Skip safety planning when indicated
Where GIRP Notes Are Used
GIRP format adoption varies by clinical setting and funding requirements.
Community Mental Health
GIRP demonstrates medical necessity for Medicaid and grant-funded services
Private Practice
Popular for outcome-focused practices; some prefer SOAP or DAP for flexibility
Substance Abuse Treatment
Goals typically tied to sobriety, coping skills, and relapse prevention
School-Based Services
IEP goals naturally fit GIRP format; easy to show educational relevance
Group Therapy
Adapted for individual goal tracking within group context
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Structured programs benefit from clear goal tracking across sessions
Automate Your GIRP Notes with AI
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GIRP notes answered.
What does GIRP stand for?
GIRP stands for Goal, Intervention, Response, and Plan. It is a goal-oriented documentation format used primarily in mental health and behavioral health settings to track progress toward treatment objectives. The format ensures each session note explicitly connects to treatment plan goals.
What is the difference between GIRP and BIRP notes?
The key difference is the first section: GIRP starts with Goal (the treatment objective being addressed) while BIRP starts with Behavior (observable client presentation). GIRP is more outcome-focused, while BIRP captures more behavioral detail. Choose GIRP when goal tracking is priority; choose BIRP when detailed behavioral documentation is needed.
When should I use GIRP notes instead of SOAP?
Use GIRP when your setting emphasizes treatment goals and outcomes, such as community mental health, substance abuse treatment, or outcome-based practice. SOAP is more universal and better for medical integration. GIRP excels when you need to demonstrate clear progress toward documented goals for insurance or quality reporting.
How do I write the Goal section of a GIRP note?
The Goal section should reference a specific goal from your treatment plan, including measurable criteria. Example: "Treatment Goal #2: Reduce panic attack frequency from 5/week to <1/week as measured by panic log." Always connect to the treatment plan and include metrics for progress tracking.
What if the client didn't make progress toward the goal this session?
Document honestly in the Response section. Note barriers encountered, factors affecting progress, and client engagement. This is clinically important information. Lack of progress may indicate need for treatment modification, which you document in the Plan section. Never falsify progress for documentation purposes.
Can I address multiple goals in one GIRP note?
Best practice is one primary goal per session note. If you addressed multiple goals, you can either write separate GIRP entries for each or note the primary goal with brief mention of secondary work. For complex sessions, some clinicians use a GIRP format for the main focus and add a "Secondary Goals Addressed" section.
How do GIRP notes support insurance reimbursement?
GIRP notes demonstrate medical necessity by explicitly connecting interventions to treatment goals and documenting progress. Insurance auditors can easily verify that services are goal-directed and medically necessary. The format shows clear rationale for continued treatment based on progress (or lack thereof) toward objectives.
Can AI help write GIRP notes?
Yes, AI documentation tools like PatientNotes can generate GIRP notes by listening to sessions and structuring content into the Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan format. The clinician provides the treatment plan goal, and AI captures session content for the other sections. Always review AI-generated notes before signing.
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