100 Best ChatGPT Progress Notes Prompts for Therapists

Direct Answer

The best ChatGPT prompts for progress notes for therapists are a curated list of role-based, outcome-focused prompts that produce structured SOAP notes, safety checks, and actionable next steps. Use precise contexts, required formats, and clear constraints to ensure consistent, compliant documentation.

Introduction

This page provides a practical prompt library of 100 ChatGPT prompts tailored for therapists to draft progress notes. Each prompt is designed to be copied as-is, with placeholders to adapt for clients, sessions, and settings.

Whether you are a solo practitioner or part of a clinic, these prompts help standardize documentation, save time, and maintain clinical and ethical quality in progress notes.

How to Use These ChatGPT Prompts

• Replace placeholders like [client], [session date], and [location] with your actual client details.
• Add constraints such as word count, tone, or format requirements to fit your documentation policy.
• Request a specific output format like SOAP, bullet points, or structured templates and verify outputs against clinical notes standards.
• If needed, ask for a version with simplified language for patient-friendly notes and a separate professional version.
• Review the generated note for accuracy, then edit only for necessary client-specific details before saving.

100 Best ChatGPT Progress Notes Prompts for Therapists

1. Session intake note: You are a licensed therapist. Task: Draft a progress note for a session. Context: Client is a 34yo with generalized anxiety; session focused on coping skills and sleep. Constraints: summarize objective data, client-reported mood, safety risk checked, no diagnoses added unless given. Output format: plain-text notes with sections for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (SOAP). Include dates and session length.
2. Crisis assessment update: You are a licensed clinician. Role: crisis counselor. Task: Produce a progress note after a crisis debrief. Context: client reported rising panic and intrusive thoughts; risk assessment completed. Output: SOAP format, concise bullets under each heading, include safety plan updates.
3. Behavioral goals progress: You are a therapist documenting progress toward goals. Task: Update goals section with measurable progress data from the week. Context: client worked on exposure to triggering situations; attendance to homework: 5/7. Output: structured progress note with Goal, Progress, Barriers, next steps.
4. Family session summary: You are a family therapist. Task: Summarize a 50-minute family session focusing on communication patterns. Context: two parent dyad and adolescent; note includes strengths and areas to address. Output: SOAP with emphasis on family dynamics and plan for family-only session.
5. Trauma-focused note: You are a trauma-informed therapist. Task: write a progress note after a trauma-focused session. Context: client disclosed triggers; grounding techniques used. Output: include trauma-informed language, safety checks, and a plan for grounding tools for home.
6. Cognitive behavior progress: You are a cognitive behavioral therapist. Task: document cognitive restructuring progress. Context: identified negative automatic thoughts; replaced with reframes. Output: SOAP with cognitive changes, behavioral experiments, and next-step homework.
7. Group therapy note: You are a group therapist. Task: draft note for a 90-minute group session. Context: theme of emotion regulation; list participants with engagement level. Output: SOAP with group-level outcomes and individual action items.
8. Substance use update: You are a clinician treating substance use. Task: record progress note after a counseling session. Context: no relapse, urges discussed, coping plan reviewed. Output: SOAP, with sobriety support plan and referrals if needed.
9. Motivational note: You are a motivational interviewing practitioner. Task: write a progress note capturing change talk. Context: client expressed readiness; barriers noted. Output: SOAP, with next-step plan and motivational quotes as applicable.
10. Child therapy progress: You are a child and adolescent therapist. Task: document progress for a 9-year-old client. Context: school functioning impacted; parent feedback included. Output: SOAP with developmental considerations and school liaison plan.
11. Pastoral note: You are a therapist in a faith-integrated practice. Task: draft progress note reflecting values-based objectives. Context: client exploring meaning and resilience. Output: SOAP with spiritual resources coordinated with client preferences.
12. Depression monitoring: You are a clinician monitoring depression. Task: update progress after weekly check-in. Context: mood improved slightly, sleep unchanged. Output: SOAP with PHQ-9-lite score range and plan.
13. Anxiety tracking: You are an anxiety specialist. Task: track anxiety symptoms over the last week. Context: client used breathing exercises; level decreased from last week. Output: SOAP with trend analysis and practice plan.
14. PTSD symptom note: You are a trauma clinician. Task: document changes in PTSD symptoms following therapy. Context: avoidance reduced; hypervigilance persists. Output: SOAP with symptom inventory and coping plan.
15. Client strengths: You are a strengths-based therapist. Task: highlight client strengths observed in session. Context: client demonstrated resilience under stress. Output: SOAP with strengths section and leverage plan for sessions.
16. Safety plan revision: You are a crisis-ready clinician. Task: revise safety plan after session. Context: risk factors updated; contact methods confirmed. Output: SOAP with revised safety steps and crisis resource list.
17. Attachment focus note: You are an attachment-focused therapist. Task: document session emphasizing attachment patterns. Context: caregiver dynamics discussed. Output: SOAP with attachment-based interventions and next steps.
18. Sleep impact note: You are a sleep-focused clinician. Task: report on sleep quality changes after CBT-I session. Context: sleep diary reviewed; naps discussed. Output: SOAP with sleep metrics and sleep hygiene plan.
19. Self-harm risk check: You are a clinician ensuring safety. Task: record risk assessment after session including protective factors. Context: no plan or intent; coping strategies listed. Output: SOAP with risk rating and follow-up actions.
20. Career stress note: You are a therapist addressing career stress. Task: document progress relating to work-life balance. Context: client started time management plan. Output: SOAP with goals and next steps.
21. Mindfulness update: You are a mindfulness-based therapist. Task: capture progress after mindfulness practice. Context: anxiety symptoms decreased after body scan. Output: SOAP with practice frequency and home assignment.
22. Behavioral activation: You are a therapist using behavioral activation. Task: report activity scheduling adherence. Context: client completed two planned activities. Output: SOAP with activity log and mood response.
23. Exposure progress note: You are an exposure therapy clinician. Task: document exposure hierarchy progress. Context: two hierarchy steps completed. Output: SOAP with fear reduction score and next exposures.
24. Social anxiety update: You are a social anxiety therapist. Task: summarize improvements in social interactions. Context: client attended small group event with support. Output: SOAP with social engagement plan.
25. Grief processing note: You are a grief counselor. Task: provide progress note after session focused on loss. Context: client shared memories and coping strategies. Output: SOAP with grief stage reflection and support plan.
26. Anger management: You are a anger management clinician. Task: document progress on impulse control. Context: client used time-out technique; incidents reduced. Output: SOAP with triggers and next steps.
27. Parent coaching note: You are a therapist coaching parents. Task: summarize parent coaching progress. Context: home routines implemented; praise system in place. Output: SOAP with parent action items.
28. Dialectical note: You are a DBT-informed clinician. Task: write progress note emphasizing dialectical strategies. Context: skills use and distress tolerance. Output: SOAP with skill plan for next week.
29. Coping skills progress: You are a coping skills therapist. Task: document new coping strategies learned. Context: client tried grounding and thought stopping. Output: SOAP with skill mastery indicators.
30. Motivation and goals: You are a goal-focused clinician. Task: update motivation levels and goal clarity. Context: client identified three specific goals. Output: SOAP with updated plan and barometer of motivation.
31. Substance relapse risk: You are a relapse-prevention clinician. Task: assess relapse risk after session. Context: urges discussed; support network confirmed. Output: SOAP with risk factors and contingency plan.
32. Sexual health note: You are a therapist addressing sexual health. Task: document progress related to intimacy concerns. Context: communication improved with partner. Output: SOAP with safety and consent notes.
33. Suicidal ideation check: You are a clinician performing suicide ideation screening. Task: record current risk level and protective factors. Context: no intent; plan to continue monitoring. Output: SOAP with safety steps.
34. Resilience building: You are a resilience-focused therapist. Task: log resilience behaviors observed. Context: client used reframing during stress. Output: SOAP with resilience score and next steps.
35. Cultural considerations: You are a culturally competent clinician. Task: note cultural factors affecting therapy. Context: language preference and family roles discussed. Output: SOAP with culturally tailored plan.
36. Therapy goals review: You are a therapist conducting goals review. Task: compare current goals to baseline. Context: progress metrics provided by client. Output: SOAP highlighting goal alignment and adjustments.
37. Homework compliance: You are a homework adherence tracker. Task: report completion rate of assigned tasks. Context: completed 4 of 5 tasks. Output: SOAP with impact on mood and functioning.
38. Crisis debrief note: You are a crisis clinician. Task: document debrief after a high-stress incident. Context: client described event; coping strategies used. Output: SOAP with debrief outcomes and follow-up plan.
39. Therapy progress summary: You are a clinical note-taker. Task: provide a concise progress summary for the month. Context: multiple sessions; client reports gradual improvement. Output: SOAP with month-over-month trend.
40. PTSD safety check: You are a PTSD clinician. Task: ensure safety and track symptom changes. Context: nightmares and avoidance noted. Output: SOAP with safety plan and exposure progress.
41. Self-esteem boost: You are a self-esteem therapist. Task: document boosts in self-worth. Context: client identified strengths; used affirmations. Output: SOAP with self-esteem metrics and prompts for next week.
42. Employment stress note: You are a career-focused therapist. Task: track therapy impact on job performance. Context: reduced lateness; improved concentration. Output: SOAP with workplace plan.
43. Relationship repair: You are a couples therapist. Task: note progress on relationship repair exercises. Context: improved communication after couple exercise. Output: SOAP with couple goals.
44. Time management note: You are a time-management therapist. Task: document scheduling improvements. Context: client uses calendar system; tasks completed. Output: SOAP with productivity metrics.
45. Gratitude journaling: You are a positive psychology therapist. Task: record effects of gratitude journal. Context: mood improved; consistency 5 days. Output: SOAP with well-being indicators.
46. Narrative exposure: You are a narrative therapist. Task: summarize narrative work and shifts. Context: client reframed traumatic memories. Output: SOAP with narrative shifts and next session focus.
47. Coping plan update: You are a coping plan clinician. Task: update coping plan after session. Context: new strategies added; owner supports plan. Output: SOAP with plan adjustments.
48. Sleep disruption note: You are a sleep clinician. Task: document sleep disruption and improvements. Context: sleep diary shows variance. Output: SOAP with sleep hygiene tweaks.
49. Emotion regulation: You are an emotion regulation therapist. Task: track regulation strategies used. Context: client reports fewer mood swings. Output: SOAP with regulatory skill usage.
50. Mind-body integration: You are a somatic therapist. Task: document somatic symptoms and interventions. Context: breathwork and grounding practiced. Output: SOAP with somatic indicators.
51. Problem-solving note: You are a problem-solving focused clinician. Task: record steps to solve a recurring issue. Context: client generated two viable options. Output: SOAP with decision outcomes.
52. Impulse control update: You are an impulse control therapist. Task: log urges and control success. Context: urge frequency down by a third. Output: SOAP with plan to extend coping windows.
53. Clinical liaison note: You are a clinician coordinating care. Task: draft note for communication with a primary care provider. Context: medications and therapy goals included. Output: SOAP with coordination plan.
54. Child behavioral note: You are a child clinician. Task: document behavior plan updates for school. Context: improved on-task behavior. Output: SOAP with school liaison plan.
55. Pain management note: You are a pain-focused therapist. Task: track mood changes related to pain. Context: coping strategies used; analgesic use noted. Output: SOAP with pain scores and plan.
56. Agency compliance: You are a licensed clinician. Task: ensure note meets agency documentation standards. Context: check for required fields. Output: SOAP with compliance notes.
57. Trauma recovery tracker: You are a trauma recovery clinician. Task: document trajectory over weeks. Context: improvements in daily functioning. Output: SOAP with recovery milestones.
58. Dialectical brief note: You are a DBT practitioner. Task: produce a brief DBT-focused progress note. Context: skill use verified; next plan specified. Output: SOAP with DBT target and plan.
59. Affect lab notes: You are a clinical scribe. Task: capture affect changes during session. Context: client fluctuates between affect states. Output: SOAP with affect inventory.
60. Crisis follow-up: You are a crisis follow-up clinician. Task: draft follow-up note after crisis contact. Context: safety plan reviewed; contact made. Output: SOAP with follow-up steps.
61. Parent-child dynamics: You are a family systems therapist. Task: summarize dynamics and interventions. Context: helpful changes observed. Output: SOAP with family interaction plan.
62. Eating disorder note: You are an eating disorder clinician. Task: document progress toward meal plan adherence. Context: calories logged; behaviors reduced. Output: SOAP with nutritional goals.
63. Insight development: You are an insight-oriented therapist. Task: record moments of insight. Context: client reframes a belief. Output: SOAP with insight statements and next steps.
64. Relational trauma note: You are a relational trauma therapist. Task: document patterns in relationships. Context: trust-building steps used. Output: SOAP with relational goals.
65. Crisis debriefing: You are a crisis responder. Task: generate a structured debrief summary. Context: event impact assessed; coping plan included. Output: SOAP with debrief findings.
66. Exposure session log: You are an exposure therapist. Task: log each exposure session detail. Context: intensity ratings recorded. Output: SOAP with exposure progress and next steps.
67. Therapeutic alliance note: You are a clinician tracking alliance. Task: note alliance quality and its effect on therapy. Context: trust and collaboration rated. Output: SOAP with alliance strategy.
68. Compassion-focused note: You are a compassion-focused therapist. Task: record compassionate mind training effects. Context: self-criticism reduced. Output: SOAP with self-compassion plan.
69. School collaboration: You are a school-based therapist. Task: draft progress note for school meeting. Context: academics and behavior discussed. Output: SOAP with school actions.
70. PBIS alignment: You are a clinician aligning with positive behavior interventions. Task: note alignment of therapy with PBIS goals. Context: interventions reviewed. Output: SOAP with PBIS linkage.
71. Coping skills inventory: You are a clinician inventorying coping skills. Task: list skills client uses and effectiveness. Context: frequency data collected. Output: SOAP with skill ratings.
72. Insight to action: You are a therapist converting insight into action. Task: document concrete next-step actions. Context: client identifies two actions. Output: SOAP with action plan.
73. Ethical compliance: You are a note-taker ensuring ethics. Task: verify consent and privacy considerations in notes. Context: data handling described. Output: SOAP with ethics checklist.
74. Trauma-informed care: You are a trauma-informed clinician. Task: document care through a trauma lens. Context: safety-first language used. Output: SOAP with trauma-informed notes.
75. Self-monitoring log: You are a self-monitoring facilitator. Task: summarize client self-monitoring data. Context: diary entries provided. Output: SOAP with trend analysis.
76. Cognitive distortions: You are a cognitive therapist. Task: document distortions identified and reframe attempts. Context: homework included. Output: SOAP with distortion type and reframing outcomes.
77. Social support check: You are a clinician assessing social support. Task: note changes in support network. Context: contact with friends increased. Output: SOAP with social resources plan.
78. Behavior tracking: You are a behavior analyst. Task: track maladaptive behavior occurrences and consequences. Context: frequency reduced. Output: SOAP with behavior graph summary.
79. Cultural humility note: You are a culturally humble therapist. Task: document humility in practice and client feedback. Context: language needs addressed. Output: SOAP with cultural humility plan.
80. Client education update: You are an educator clinician. Task: record client education provided this week. Context: materials shared. Output: SOAP with comprehension check.
81. Ethical risk note: You are an ethics-conscious therapist. Task: note any potential ethical concerns observed. Context: consent and boundaries reviewed. Output: SOAP with corrective actions.
82. Relapse prevention plan: You are a relapse-prevention clinician. Task: update plan after session. Context: triggers and coping tools listed. Output: SOAP with prevention steps.
83. Narrative change: You are a narrative therapist. Task: capture shifts in client story. Context: reframing of identity confirmed. Output: SOAP with narrative progress.
84. Well-being index: You are a wellbeing-focused clinician. Task: compute weekly well-being index from client input. Context: mood, sleep, functioning measured. Output: SOAP with index score and plan.
85. Arousal regulation: You are a somatic-focused therapist. Task: document arousal regulation progress. Context: parasympathetic activation practiced. Output: SOAP with physiological markers.
86. Transference note: You are a psychodynamic clinician. Task: note any transference patterns observed. Context: client projects onto therapist. Output: SOAP with interpretation and plan.
87. Grounding skills log: You are a grounding skills clinician. Task: track grounding technique usage. Context: client reports calmer moments. Output: SOAP with technique efficacy.
88. Ethnographic note: You are a culturally-informed clinician. Task: document ethnographic aspects affecting therapy. Context: community context considered. Output: SOAP with culturally relevant plan.
89. Safety and boundaries: You are a therapist ensuring safety boundaries. Task: note boundary setting outcomes. Context: client respects limits more. Output: SOAP with boundary reinforcement plan.
90. Intervention effectiveness: You are a outcomes-focused clinician. Task: evaluate effectiveness of a specific intervention. Context: pre- and post-session metrics available. Output: SOAP with effectiveness assessment.
91. Relational repair plan: You are a couples therapist. Task: create a plan to repair relationship dynamics. Context: communication improved but trust remains fragile. Output: SOAP with actionable steps.
92. Gratitude impact: You are a positive psychology clinician. Task: document impact of gratitude exercises. Context: mood and energy improved. Output: SOAP with metrics and next steps.
93. Crisis follow-through: You are a crisis follow-through clinician. Task: confirm completion of crisis actions. Context: resources accessed; contact made. Output: SOAP with verification steps.
94. Therapy termination prep: You are a termination-prep clinician. Task: draft note outlining readiness for termination. Context: goals met; plan for relapse prevention. Output: SOAP with farewell plan.
95. Comorbidity check: You are a clinician monitoring comorbidity. Task: note impact on therapy from co-occurring conditions. Context: medications and symptoms tracked. Output: SOAP with integrated plan.
96. Client feedback: You are a feedback-oriented clinician. Task: summarize client feedback on therapy process. Context: feedback themes identified. Output: SOAP with improvement actions.
97. Satisfaction survey: You are a survey note-taker. Task: document client satisfaction with sessions this week. Context: rating scale used. Output: SOAP with satisfaction insights.
98. Homework review: You are a clinician reviewing assigned homework. Task: rate completion quality and impact. Context: feedback given. Output: SOAP with revised homework plan.
99. Session closing note: You are a therapist closing a session. Task: provide concise closing note with summary and plan. Context: client ready to continue next session. Output: SOAP with conclusion and scheduling details.
100. Overall progress wrap: You are a note-taker compiling monthly progress. Task: create a concise wrap-up highlighting gains and ongoing needs. Context: multiple sessions; client trajectory positive. Output: SOAP with monthly summary.

Best Practices

• Use consistent formats (SOAP or narrative) across all prompts to improve readability and auditing.
• Directly specify required sections and data points to avoid missing critical information.
• Incorporate safety checks and ethical reminders in notes, especially around risk and consent.
• Store prompts in a reusable prompt library and tag them by client type, modality, and setting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to include risk assessment and safety planning in every crisis-related note.
• Using vague language that obscures progress or outcomes.
• Omitting dates, session length, or clinician identifiers in notes.
• Inconsistent format across notes, making auditing harder.

FAQ

How should I format progress notes for therapists?

Use a consistent format such as SOAP, with Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan sections, and include date, session length, and safety checks where applicable.

Can these prompts be customized for specific therapies?

Yes. Replace placeholders to reflect therapy type, goals, and client needs, and add constraints to capture modality-specific data.

How do I ensure notes stay compliant?

Follow your jurisdiction's privacy laws, document risk and consent, and use neutral, professional language; include required fields and signatures as per policy.

What about client-friendly versions of notes?

Create a separate, simplified version for clients, focusing on outcomes and next steps, while keeping the professional note intact for records.

How can I reuse prompts for multiple clients?

Use placeholders and templates that can be filled programmatically or manually, and maintain client-specific identifiers in place.

How often should progress notes be generated?

Typically weekly or per session, depending on clinical needs and documentation policy; adjust frequency to balance quality and workload.