BIRP Notes for Play Therapy: Template + Examples (2026)
Overview
The BIRP Notes format provides an excellent structure for documenting Play Therapy because it separates subjective experience from objective observations while emphasizing clinical assessment and planning. When working with clients presenting with Play Therapy, the key is to document how the specific symptoms, behavioral patterns, and treatment responses are understood through the lens of this particular format.
Each section of the BIRP Notes note should serve a specific purpose when documenting Play Therapy. Rather than generic descriptions, each section should contain clinical information that directly relates to the diagnostic criteria, treatment indicators, and progress measures relevant to Play Therapy. This requires understanding both how the format works and what aspects of Play Therapy are most important to capture for insurance justification, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
Documentation quality matters significantly when treating Play Therapy. Insurance companies need to see clear evidence of medical necessity, meaningful progress on treatment goals, and appropriate use of evidence-based interventions. The BIRP Notes structure, when properly applied to Play Therapy, communicates this clinical picture clearly and compliantly.
How to Document BIRP Notes for Play Therapy
Behavior
Document observable client behaviors, actions, and presentation in session
When documenting the Behavior section in play therapy, detail the client's observed and self-reported emotional and behavioral presentations during play, including specific triggers, mood, and affect that influence their engagement.
- Describe any client-reported fears, anxieties, or worries expressed through play or verbalization.
- Note observable behaviors such as withdrawal, aggression, or repetitive play patterns.
- Identify situational or environmental triggers that seemed to influence the client’s behavior during the session.
- Document the client’s predominant mood and affect, including shifts throughout the session.
- Record any verbal or nonverbal expressions of distress or coping strategies exhibited by the client.
Intervention
Record specific therapeutic interventions and techniques used
In the Intervention section, capture the specific therapeutic techniques and modalities utilized during play therapy, along with clinical observations about how these approaches were applied and tailored to the client’s needs.
- Specify the type of play therapy modality used (e.g., sandtray, art, role-play, puppet play).
- Describe the therapist’s use of directive vs. non-directive play interventions.
- Note any therapeutic tools or materials introduced and their intended purpose.
- Document the ways in which the therapist facilitated emotional expression or exploration through play.
- Record observations about the client’s engagement level and cooperation with the intervention techniques.
Response
Note the client's response to interventions and observable changes
The Response section should reflect the client’s reactions to therapeutic interventions, including changes in behavior, emotional expression, and any indicators of progress or diagnostic insights gained during the session.
- Assess the client’s emotional regulation and any observable shifts in mood following interventions.
- Note improvements or deteriorations in behavior compared to previous sessions.
- Record the client’s verbal or nonverbal responses indicating understanding or resistance to therapeutic activities.
- Evaluate emerging themes or patterns from play that may inform diagnostic considerations.
- Summarize clinician impressions on the effectiveness of interventions used during the session.
Plan
Outline next steps, continued interventions, and session scheduling
In the Plan section, outline the next therapeutic steps, including planned interventions, homework assignments, any needed modifications, referrals, and scheduling details tailored to the client’s evolving needs in play therapy.
- Specify targeted goals or skills to focus on in upcoming sessions based on current session observations.
- Assign age-appropriate play-based homework or activities for the client to practice between sessions.
- Indicate any changes or adaptations to therapeutic approach or materials planned for future sessions.
- Recommend referrals to other professionals or services if indicated by client presentation.
- Confirm scheduling details and frequency adjustments for ongoing play therapy sessions.
SOAP Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
DAP Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
Progress Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
SIRP Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
GIRP Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
PIE Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
Tips for BIRP Notes for Play Therapy
Connect to Diagnostic Criteria
Always link your observations and interventions back to the specific diagnostic criteria for Play Therapy. If you're documenting generalized anxiety disorder, reference the specific DSM-5 criteria. If you're documenting major depressive disorder, show evidence of the required number of depressive symptoms. This demonstrates clear clinical reasoning and justifies continued treatment.
Use Quantifiable Measurements
Don't simply write "Play Therapy improving." Instead, use rating scales (0-10 severity scales, PHQ-9 scores, GAD-7 scores, etc.) to show concrete progress. Document specific behavioral changes: "Client reported anxiety decreased from 8/10 to 6/10 when discussing social situations," or "Depressive symptoms reduced by 3 points on PHQ-9."
Document Functional Impact
Show how Play Therapy affects the client's daily functioning. Insurance requires evidence of functional impairment to justify treatment. Document specific impacts: "Unable to attend work meetings due to anxiety," or "Staying in bed until 2 PM due to depressed mood." Then show how treatment addresses these functional limitations.
Track Intervention Specificity
Rather than vague interventions, be specific about what you did and why. For Play Therapy, document: "Taught progressive muscle relaxation for anxiety management," or "Assigned behavioral activation with goal to schedule one pleasant activity daily." Show how each intervention targets the specific symptoms of Play Therapy.
Demonstrate Treatment Progress
Connect each session to overall treatment goals for Play Therapy. Show how this session moved the client forward. Document barriers encountered and your response: "Client engaged in avoidance despite exposure assignment. Explored ambivalence about facing feared situations. Adjusted timeline."
Note Comorbidities
Clients with Play Therapy often have other conditions. Document any comorbid diagnoses and how they interact. For example: "Client's Play Therapy is complicated by concurrent depression, which reduces treatment response. Added behavioral activation to address depressive symptoms alongside anxiety-specific exposure work."
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Further Reading
- APA Documentation Guidelines — Provides comprehensive guidelines on clinical documentation practices relevant to mental health professionals.
- SAMHSA — Offers resources and best practices for behavioral health documentation and treatment planning.
- American Counseling Association — Contains ethical standards and documentation recommendations for counselors, including those practicing play therapy.