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GIRP notes examples and template

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SimplePractice Team

Published August 20, 2025

A therapist types up GIRP notes on a laptop, following the format of GIRP notes examples
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GIRP notes are an efficient and structured way for therapists to document client sessions with clarity and consistency. 

Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or just starting out in private practice, using this method can streamline your progress note workflow, support treatment planning, and help meet compliance standards.

In this article, we'll walk through what GIRP notes are, how to write them effectively, and how to incorporate them into your documentation system with ease. You'll also find GIRP notes examples, a free GIRP notes template, and tips to enhance clinical accuracy while saving time.

Summary for therapists

  • GIRP notes stand for Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan and are a practical note format for documenting therapy sessions.
  • Ideal for private practice clinicians needing to keep notes focused, efficient, and goal-driven.
  • Supports compliance and can be customized to fit your electronic health record (EHR) or paper system.
  • Great training tool for interns or associate clinicians.
  • This article includes GIRP notes examples and a free GIRP notes template for download.
  • It also covers how to write clearly, efficiently, and in line with treatment goals.

What are GIRP notes?

Even after reading this far, you may be wondering: “What are GIRP notes?” 

We’ll start with the basics.

GIRP is an acronym that stands for:

G=GoalsI=Intervention

R=Response

P=Plan

Each section captures a specific aspect of the therapeutic encounter, making this format especially useful for mental health documentation in community mental health settings, private practice, and even school-based counseling.

Unlike formats such as SOAP notes, GIRP notes emphasize goal alignment and client response—key factors when tracking progress toward treatment outcomes.


Why use GIRP notes in private practice?

Many clinicians in private practice turn to GIRP notes because they:

  • Ensure documentation stays focused and goal-oriented
  • Reduce redundancy in charting
  • Offer an easy-to-train structure for associates or interns
  • Help meet medical necessity and billing requirements
  • Align well with collaborative, client-centered care

Plus, when written effectively, GIRP notes save time—a precious commodity for therapists in private practice.

How to write GIRP notes (step-by-step)

G=Goal section

Start by stating the client's identified GIRP goal. This should align with the treatment plan and be specific, measurable, and client-centered.

Example: “Client will reduce panic attacks from five times per week to two times per week through use of CBT techniques over the next 90 days.”

You don’t need to restate the entire treatment plan each session—just reference the relevant goal being addressed.

I=Intervention section

Detail what you did in session to support the goal. This might include clinical modalities, tools, or psychoeducation provided.

With regard to clinical words to use in GIRP notes PDFs, using precise clinical language is crucial for accurate and informative documentation. 

Example: “Provided psychoeducation on grounding techniques; guided client through progressive muscle relaxation; utilized CBT restructuring to address distorted thoughts related to panic.”

R=Response section

In this section of GIRP notes, describe how the client responded to the intervention. Be objective and note both verbal and non-verbal reactions when relevant.

Here are some GIRP notes examples of the client response section:

  • “Client appeared engaged and able to complete relaxation exercise with minimal guidance.”
  • “Client reported a decrease in anxiety symptoms mid-session; stated, ‘I feel like I have more control now.’”

Avoid vague responses like “client did well.” Instead, aim to show the client’s level of insight, participation, and emotional state.

P=Plan sectionLastly, wrap up with your clinical plan moving forward. 

This section may include homework, follow-up strategies, referrals, or future interventions.

Example: “Client will continue practicing grounding techniques daily and log panic intensity using tracking sheet. Next session will focus on identifying avoidance patterns.”

GIRP notes examples for different settings

To help you get started, here are a few GIRP notes examples tailored to common presenting concerns:

Example 1: Anxiety (CBT approach)

Goal section: Reduce daily anxiety symptoms interfering with work performance.

Intervention section: Reviewed CBT triangle; used Socratic questioning to identify distorted thoughts.

Response section: Client initially struggled but was able to identify at least two automatic thoughts contributing to anxiety.

Plan section: Assigned thought log for homework; plan to review next session.

Example 2: Adolescent depression (supportive/strengths-based approach)

Goal section: Increase engagement in pleasurable activities.

Intervention section: Used motivational interviewing techniques; collaboratively created activity list.

Response section: Client appeared slightly withdrawn at start, but became animated discussing art and music.

Plan section: Client to try one activity from list before next session; therapist to introduce behavioral activation.


Tips for writing better GIRP notes

Be concise but thorough. Avoid unnecessary detail, but make sure each section is clinically relevant.

Write in real time or immediately after sessions to ensure accuracy.

Use templates (such as our free downloadable GIRP notes template) to standardize your workflow.

Integrate your EHR with drop-downs or pre-filled lists to speed up documentation.

Keep a running bank of GIRP notes examples, such as those found in this article, to train team members or reference during audits.

GIRP notes template (quick reference)

Section

What to include

G – Goal

Treatment goal addressed in session

I – Intervention

Techniques or tools used

R – Response

Client’s verbal/non-verbal response

P – Plan

Next steps, homework, or follow-up care

You can create your own digital GIRP notes template or download one aligned with your EHR system.

Final thoughts

GIRP notes are a practical, effective, and clinician-friendly documentation format for therapists in private practice. Whether you’re working with individuals, families, or adolescents, this approach helps you stay aligned with treatment goals while making session notes clearer and easier to manage.

Don’t forget to use strong, goal-oriented language and document responses with specificity. 

By leveraging resources like the GIRP notes examples provided in this article and the free, downloadable GIRP notes template, you’ll save time while elevating the quality of your records.

If you're ready to simplify your documentation process, consider downloading the free GIRP notes template or creating your own version tailored to your practice. 

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SimplePractice Team

The SimplePractice team creates articles to support, inform, and uplift clinicians.