Keep It Short but Specific
Aim for 2–4 sentences that include:
Client’s main concern
Key themes discussed
Interventions used
Client’s response
Example: “Client discussed increased anxiety related to work. Used CBT to challenge cognitive distortions. Client responded well and identified two coping strategies to use this week.”
Include Objective Details When Possible
Helpful details include:
Affect, mood, behavior
Risk or safety concerns
Progress toward goals
You don’t need long descriptions, brief cues are enough.
Avoid Vague Inputs
Phrases like “talked about stuff” or “general check-in” give the AI little direction and may produce generic notes.
Add Modality and Focus
Specifying modality (CBT, DBT, ACT, etc.) improves the accuracy of the interventions and plan sections.
Final Rule
Write your summary the way you would explain the session to a supervisor in 10 seconds, short, clear, and clinically focused.