GIRP Notes for ACT: Template + Examples (2026)
Overview
The GIRP Notes format provides an excellent structure for documenting Acceptance and Commitment Therapy because it separates subjective experience from objective observations while emphasizing clinical assessment and planning. When working with clients presenting with Acceptance and Commitment 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 GIRP Notes note should serve a specific purpose when documenting Acceptance and Commitment 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 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This requires understanding both how the format works and what aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are most important to capture for insurance justification, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
Documentation quality matters significantly when treating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Insurance companies need to see clear evidence of medical necessity, meaningful progress on treatment goals, and appropriate use of evidence-based interventions. The GIRP Notes structure, when properly applied to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, communicates this clinical picture clearly and compliantly.
How to Document GIRP Notes for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Goals
Document current treatment goals, client's goals for this session, and progress toward established objectives
When documenting the Goals section for ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), specify the targeted psychological flexibility outcomes and value-based behavioral changes the client aims to achieve. This section should clearly outline measurable objectives related to acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action.
- Identify specific values the client wishes to live by to guide behavior change.
- Define goals related to increasing acceptance of difficult thoughts and emotions.
- Set objectives for enhancing present-moment awareness and mindfulness skills.
- Outline targeted behaviors that reflect committed action toward valued life domains.
- Include measurable criteria for progress in reducing experiential avoidance.
Intervention
Record specific interventions applied to address identified goals and advance treatment
In the Intervention section for ACT, document the specific therapeutic techniques, exercises, and clinical observations utilized during the session to facilitate acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action. Emphasize how these modalities support the client’s movement toward their goals.
- Describe use of mindfulness exercises focused on present-moment awareness.
- Note application of metaphors or experiential exercises to foster cognitive defusion.
- Record clinical observations of client’s engagement with acceptance strategies.
- Document use of values clarification tasks to identify and reinforce personal values.
- Detail guided behavioral activation or committed action plans introduced during the session.
Response
Note the client's response to goal-focused work, progress indicators, and barriers to goal achievement
The Response section for ACT should capture the client’s verbal and nonverbal reactions to interventions, progress toward psychological flexibility, and any shifts in insight or emotional experience. Include clinical impressions regarding changes in experiential avoidance or engagement with values.
- Evaluate client’s level of openness to experiencing difficult emotions during exercises.
- Note any increased awareness or insight into personal values and barriers.
- Assess client’s willingness to engage in committed action despite discomfort.
- Document changes in cognitive fusion or rigidity observed during the session.
- Include client-reported shifts in mood or anxiety related to mindfulness practice.
Plan
Specify action steps, revised goals if needed, and timeline for goal achievement
For the Plan section in ACT, outline the next therapeutic steps, including homework assignments that promote acceptance and values-based actions, any necessary treatment adjustments, referrals, and scheduling of upcoming sessions. Focus on maintaining momentum in psychological flexibility development.
- Assign mindfulness or acceptance exercises for practice between sessions.
- Plan behavioral commitments aligned with identified values for the client to undertake.
- Adjust treatment focus based on client’s response and engagement levels.
- Coordinate referrals to complementary services if additional support is needed.
- Schedule the next session and specify intended therapeutic targets for follow-up.
SOAP Notes for ACT
Alternative format for documenting act
DAP Notes for ACT
Alternative format for documenting act
BIRP Notes for ACT
Alternative format for documenting act
Progress Notes for ACT
Alternative format for documenting act
SIRP Notes for ACT
Alternative format for documenting act
PIE Notes for ACT
Alternative format for documenting act
Tips for GIRP Notes for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Connect to Diagnostic Criteria
Always link your observations and interventions back to the specific diagnostic criteria for Acceptance and Commitment 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 "Acceptance and Commitment 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 Acceptance and Commitment 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 Acceptance and Commitment 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 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Demonstrate Treatment Progress
Connect each session to overall treatment goals for Acceptance and Commitment 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 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy often have other conditions. Document any comorbid diagnoses and how they interact. For example: "Client's Acceptance and Commitment 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 psychotherapy notes.
- SAMHSA — Offers resources and best practices for behavioral health documentation and treatment planning.
- NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) — Contains authoritative information on mental health disorders and evidence-based therapeutic approaches like ACT.