DAP Note Generator
for Therapists
Type a few bullet points after your session. Get a complete, HIPAA-compliant DAP progress note in under 5 seconds. No templates, no EHR switch required.
The format
What is a DAP note?
DAP is a three-section progress note format that combines client-reported and clinician-observed information into a single Data section — making it simpler than SOAP for talk therapy contexts.
Data
What happened in the session — what the client reported about their mood, symptoms, and week, plus what you observed (affect, appearance, behaviour). Combines SOAP's Subjective and Objective into one section.
Assessment
Your clinical interpretation — how the client is progressing toward treatment goals, your diagnostic impressions, and any changes in risk or functioning.
Plan
Next steps — the interventions you used this session, homework assigned, referrals made, and what you plan to address at the next appointment.
DAP vs SOAP — which should you use?
Both are widely accepted. SOAP separates client-reported information (Subjective) from clinician-observed information (Objective), which some settings require. DAP merges these into Data, which many therapists find more natural for talk therapy. Notelyx supports both — choose whichever your license, supervisor, or insurance requires. You can also try BIRP notes.
Example output
A real DAP note — generated in seconds
Data
M.R. reported feeling "better than last week" and noted a reduction in the frequency of self-critical thoughts following the use of the STOP skill between sessions. Client described one interpersonal conflict with a coworker that triggered emotional dysregulation; client was able to use TIPP before responding. Client appeared calm and engaged throughout the session. Affect was euthymic and congruent with content.
Assessment
Client is demonstrating consistent progress in applying DBT distress tolerance skills between sessions. The successful use of TIPP in a real-world context represents meaningful skill generalisation. Ongoing work on interpersonal effectiveness skills is indicated.
Plan
Reviewed STOP and TIPP skills; introduced DEAR MAN for interpersonal effectiveness. Client will practise DEAR MAN in one low-stakes situation before the next session. Continue weekly individual DBT sessions.
Generated from 7 bullet points · Under 5 seconds · Fictional client data
How it works
From session to signed DAP note
Enter your observations
Write 4–8 bullet points — what the client said, what you observed, what you did. No full sentences. No special formatting.
Notelyx writes the DAP note
The AI structures your bullets into a complete Data, Assessment, and Plan note using only what you entered — no hallucinations, no filler.
Review, sign, and export
Edit any section you want to refine, sign to lock the note, then export a clean PDF for your EHR or records.
FAQ
DAP note questions
What is a DAP note in therapy?
A DAP note is a three-section progress note format. D stands for Data (what the client reported and what you observed), A stands for Assessment (clinical interpretation and progress toward goals), and P stands for Plan (next steps, interventions, and homework).
What is the difference between DAP and SOAP notes?
SOAP separates client-reported information (Subjective) from clinician-observed information (Objective) into two distinct sections. DAP combines both into a single Data section. DAP is often preferred by therapists who find the S/O distinction unnecessarily rigid for talk therapy.
Who uses DAP notes?
DAP notes are commonly used by LCSWs, LPCs, MFTs, and psychologists in outpatient and private practice settings. Many insurance providers and managed care organisations accept DAP format for reimbursement.
Are DAP notes accepted by insurance?
Yes. DAP notes are widely accepted by insurance providers as valid clinical documentation. The key requirement is that the note documents medical necessity, the interventions used, and the client's response — all of which a DAP note covers.
How do I write the Data section of a DAP note?
The Data section combines what the client reported (mood, symptoms, concerns, experiences since last session) with what you observed (affect, appearance, behaviour). With Notelyx, you enter these as brief bullet points and the AI writes the full Data section for you.
Start generating DAP notes today.
Free during beta. No credit card. SOAP and BIRP also supported.