Where do interventions go in a DAP note?

In Data. DAP has no separate intervention section, so record the treatment, phase or technique and what you did there, then interpret its effect in Assessment.

What are SUD and VoC in EMDR notes?

SUD (Subjective Units of Disturbance) is the client’s rating of how disturbing the target feels now, from 0 to 10. VoC (Validity of Cognition) is how true the preferred belief feels, from 1 (completely false) to 7 (completely true). Record ratings when assessed in the relevant protocol phases. For an incomplete session, document the last ratings obtained during processing and how the session was closed; do not reassess solely to fill an end-of-session field.

How do you document an incomplete EMDR session?

Say the target is incomplete, record the last SUD, how you closed the session (for example the calm-place or container exercise), whether there was dissociation, how the client was when they left, and the plan to reevaluate the target next time.

How often should you give the PCL-5?

Many clinicians give it at intake and then at a regular interval, such as every session or every few sessions during trauma-focused treatment. Use the same interval consistently and record the date with each score.

DAP Notes for PTSD: Template + Examples (2026)

Q: What goes in each section of a DAP note for PTSD?

Data holds the client’s report of symptoms since the last session, your observations, scores such as the PCL-5 and the interventions you used. Assessment holds your judgment about progress and risk. Plan holds the next session, practice and repeat measures.

Record a session and MentalNote drafts the DAP note for you to review and edit. No sign-up to try. HIPAA-compliant, with a BAA included on every plan. Open a sample DAP note

Overview

This guide is part of our complete DAP notes hub — format structure, a full clinical example, the DAP note generator, and all 72 diagnosis-specific templates.

No sign-up needed: open a fictional DAP note in the MentalNote editor and edit it like a real draft.

Short answer: a DAP note for PTSD has three parts. Data: everything that happened, including the client’s report of symptoms since the last session, your observations, scores such as the PCL-5, and the interventions you used. Assessment: your judgment about progress, what is still maintaining symptoms, and risk. Plan: the next session, between-session practice and when you will repeat measures.

DAP has no separate section for interventions, so put what you did in Data. For EMDR, that means the phase you worked in, the target, and the ratings that show change during the session.

What to document in a DAP note for PTSD

PTSD details to document in a DAP note, with fictional example wording
Section	What to document	Example wording
Data: client report	Symptoms since the last session (intrusions, avoidance, mood, sleep and arousal) and use of coping skills	“Two intrusive memories this week; used the container exercise twice.”
Data: measures	PCL-5 total (0 to 80) with the comparison score	“PCL-5 47 (intake 58).”
Data: interventions	The treatment and phase, the target and the ratings taken in the relevant phases (for EMDR, SUD 0 to 10 and VoC 1 to 7)	“EMDR phase 4 on the smoke-alarm memory; SUD 8 at start, last SUD during reprocessing 3.”
Data: stability at the end	Dissociation, closure and how the client left the session	“Calm-place closure; client oriented and calm at end.”
Assessment	Progress, what is unresolved, and current suicide and safety risk	“Partial desensitization; target incomplete; acute risk low.”
Plan	Next session focus, practice and repeat measures	“Reevaluate target next session; log disturbances.”

Safety. Trauma processing can bring up distress between sessions. Record how the client was at the end of the session and how they will manage distress before the next one. If a client reports suicidal thoughts, assess and record current thoughts, plan, intent, preparatory behavior, past attempts, access to means (including firearms and medications), protective factors, your risk formulation and the safety plan. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline takes calls and texts at 988; for imminent danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

How to Document DAP Notes for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Data

Combine subjective reports and objective observations into a single data section

When documenting the Data section for PTSD, capture the client’s self-reported symptoms, current emotional state, and specific triggers or stressors that have impacted their functioning since the last session. Include observations about their mood and affect to provide a clear clinical picture of their presenting concerns.

Client’s description of intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares experienced since last session
Identification of recent triggers or situations that have exacerbated PTSD symptoms
Client’s report of avoidance behaviors or emotional numbing
Description of current mood and affect, noting any signs of anxiety, depression, or irritability
Client’s subjective rating of symptom severity and impact on daily functioning
Observation of client’s affect congruence and physical signs of distress (e.g., hypervigilance, startle response)
Use of trauma-focused therapeutic techniques such as grounding or cognitive restructuring

Assessment

Provide clinical analysis, treatment progress, and diagnostic considerations

In the Assessment section for PTSD, interpret the reports, observations, measures and interventions recorded in Data. Explain your judgment about progress, symptom severity, functioning, diagnostic status and current risk, including what the client’s response means for treatment.

Interpretation of the symptom and functioning changes recorded in Data
Clinical interpretation of the client’s response to trauma-focused interventions
Evaluation of client’s engagement and receptiveness to treatment modalities applied
Clinical impression regarding symptom improvement, stability, or deterioration
Consideration of differential diagnoses or comorbid conditions impacting PTSD presentation

Plan

Document next steps, interventions, and follow-up scheduling

The Plan section for PTSD should outline the next steps in treatment, including specific interventions, homework assignments, any necessary referrals, and scheduling of future sessions to ensure continuity of care and symptom management.

Set goals for symptom reduction or coping skill enhancement for the upcoming week
Assign homework tasks such as practicing grounding techniques or journaling trauma-related thoughts
Adjust treatment plan based on current clinical assessment, including possible introduction of new modalities
Coordinate referrals to psychiatry, support groups, or specialized trauma services as needed
Schedule next session with consideration of client’s availability and clinical urgency