Depression & Anxiety Treatment Therapy Notes Template
Description:
This template is designed for documenting ongoing therapy sessions focused on treating depression and/or anxiety disorders. It provides a structured format to track the client's progress, the interventions used, and the plans for future sessions. It emphasizes capturing the client's current state, progress toward goals, and any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Note:
Use this template for regular sessions addressing depression and/or anxiety concerns. Adapt sections based on the client’s specific symptoms, treatment stage, or co-occurring needs, maintaining a supportive and empathetic approach.
Date: [Record the date of the session]
Session Number: [Note the session number in the sequence of therapy]
Client Name: [Enter the client’s full legal name]
Therapist Name: [Enter the therapist’s full name]
Check-in
Mood and Symptoms: [Note the client's current mood, any recent changes in symptoms of depression or anxiety, such as low mood, loss of interest, worry, or physical tension.]
Recent Events: [Detail any significant events or stressors that may be impacting their mental health.]
Medication Update: [If applicable, note any changes in medication, side effects, or adherence.]
Review of Previous Session and Homework
Summary of Last Session: [Briefly summarize the main points discussed in the last session.]
Homework Review: [Review any homework or tasks assigned, including what was completed, and any challenges or successes in applying the skills or strategies.]
Support System Engagement: [Note any engagement with support groups, friends, family, or other resources, including frequency and perceived benefits.]
Current Focus and Topics Discussed
[Describe the main issues or areas of focus for this session, such as managing depressive thoughts, practicing relaxation for anxiety, or improving self-esteem.]
[Detail specific topics or concerns discussed, including any client questions or areas of confusion.]
Interventions and Techniques Used
[Detail the specific interventions, techniques, or exercises used during the session, such as cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, or behavioral activation.]
[Note the client's response to these interventions, any insights gained, or areas where they struggled.]
Observations of the Client
[Record the client's engagement with the session, their behavior (e.g., attentive, distracted), and any notable statements or actions that reflect their mental state or progress.]
[Note any progress or regressions observed in their symptoms or recovery efforts.]
Assessments
[Note any standardized measures or tests conducted, such as PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety, including scores and interpretations.]
[Record any other relevant assessments or observations.]
Goals and Progress
[Review the client's current treatment goals, such as reducing symptom severity or improving functioning in specific areas.]
[Note their progress towards these goals, any specific successes or areas needing more attention, and any adjustments to the goals based on their current situation.]
Plan for the Next Session
[Outline the plan for the next session, including any specific topics to cover, activities to use, or skills to practice.]
[Assign any homework or tasks for the client to complete before the next session, such as practicing a new coping strategy or keeping a mood journal.]
Risk Assessment
[Assess any risks related to the client's mental health, such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, or significant functional impairment.]
[Identify protective factors or strengths that can be utilized to mitigate these risks, such as a strong support system or effective coping strategies.]
Therapist's Observations and Impressions
[Record the therapist's overall impressions of the session, including any hypotheses about the client's condition or progress, and the effectiveness of the interventions used.]
[Note any adjustments to the treatment plan or concerns that need to be addressed in future sessions.]
Depression/Anxiety Treatment Therapy Notes Template (Filled Mock Session)
Date: June 10, 2025
Session Number: 5
Client Name: Sarah Johnson
Therapist Name: Dr. Michael Lee
Check-in
Mood and Symptoms: Sarah reports her mood has been more stable this week, with no crying spells. She still experiences some anxiety about work but feels it's less intense. Sleep has improved to 7 hours most nights, and her appetite is still low but she's making an effort to eat regularly.
Recent Events: She has an upcoming performance review at work, which is causing some anxiety.
Medication Update: Continues with her antidepressant medication as prescribed, no changes or side effects reported.
Review of Previous Session and Homework
Summary of Last Session: We worked on challenging negative thoughts about her work performance.
Homework Review: Sarah completed her thought record and found many of her thoughts were distorted. She's starting to question them more automatically now.
Support System Engagement: She has been spending time with friends and family, which she finds supportive.
Current Focus and Topics Discussed
We focused on managing work-related anxiety, particularly in preparation for her performance review.
Discussed strategies to handle potential stressors and maintain a balanced perspective.
Interventions and Techniques Used
Used cognitive restructuring to challenge catastrophic thoughts about the review.
Taught progressive muscle relaxation to manage physical tension when anxious.
Sarah practiced the relaxation technique during the session and reported feeling calmer afterward.
Observations of the Client
Sarah was engaged and appeared more confident in managing her thoughts. She actively participated in the session and seemed to grasp the concepts easily.
Assessments
PHQ-9 score: 10 (mild depression), down from 15 last month.
GAD-7 score: 8 (mild anxiety), down from 12.
Goals and Progress
Sarah's goal is to reduce her depression and anxiety symptoms so they don't interfere with her daily life. She's making good progress, with both scores improving.
We will continue to work on managing work anxiety and increasing pleasure in her life.
Plan for the Next Session
The next session will focus on continuing to manage work anxiety and exploring ways to increase enjoyable activities.
Homework: Practice relaxation daily and plan one enjoyable activity per week.
Risk Assessment
No immediate risks. Sarah denies any suicidal thoughts, and she has a supportive family network.
Therapist's Observations and Impressions
Sarah is responding well to therapy and medication. She's more proactive in managing her symptoms, and her confidence is improving.
I will continue with the current approach and consider reducing session frequency if she maintains this progress.