GIRP Notes for Art Therapy: Template + Examples (2026)
Overview
The GIRP Notes format provides an excellent structure for documenting Art Therapy because it separates subjective experience from objective observations while emphasizing clinical assessment and planning. When working with clients presenting with Art 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 Art 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 Art Therapy. This requires understanding both how the format works and what aspects of Art Therapy are most important to capture for insurance justification, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
Documentation quality matters significantly when treating Art 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 Art Therapy, communicates this clinical picture clearly and compliantly.
How to Document GIRP Notes for Art Therapy
Goals
Document current treatment goals, client's goals for this session, and progress toward established objectives
When documenting Goals in art therapy, clearly define the therapeutic objectives tailored to the client's emotional, cognitive, and creative development through artistic expression.
- Identify specific emotional or psychological issues to be addressed via art-making.
- Set measurable targets related to improving self-expression and communication through art.
- Establish goals for enhancing coping skills using creative processes.
- Define objectives for increasing client insight or self-awareness through artistic exploration.
- Outline goals for building fine motor skills or sensory integration if relevant.
Intervention
Record specific interventions applied to address identified goals and advance treatment
In the Intervention section for art therapy, document the specific art techniques, materials, and therapeutic approaches used, along with clinical observations during the creative process.
- Describe the art media and tools introduced (e.g., clay, paint, collage) and rationale for their selection.
- Note the use of structured versus free-form artistic activities.
- Record client’s engagement level and behavioral responses observed during art-making.
- Detail any directive prompts or thematic assignments applied in the session.
- Include application of specific therapeutic modalities, such as narrative art therapy or mindfulness-based art exercises.
Response
Note the client's response to goal-focused work, progress indicators, and barriers to goal achievement
The Response section should capture the client’s emotional and behavioral reactions to the art therapy session, including progress toward goals and any diagnostic insights gained from their creative output.
- Observe and describe changes in mood or affect during and after art activities.
- Evaluate client’s ability to articulate feelings or thoughts related to their artwork.
- Assess evidence of increased insight or problem-solving demonstrated through art.
- Note any resistance, avoidance, or breakthroughs encountered in the session.
- Document changes in symptomatology or coping behaviors linked to art therapy participation.
Plan
Specify action steps, revised goals if needed, and timeline for goal achievement
In the Plan section for art therapy, outline the next therapeutic steps, including homework assignments, modifications to techniques, and coordination with other care providers to support continued progress.
- Schedule upcoming art therapy sessions with specific focus areas based on current progress.
- Assign creative exercises or journaling tasks for practice between sessions.
- Recommend adjustments to art materials or methods to better meet client needs.
- Plan referrals to complementary therapies or mental health professionals if indicated.
- Set goals for client to experiment with new artistic themes or mediums at home.
SOAP Notes for Art Therapy
Alternative format for documenting art therapy
DAP Notes for Art Therapy
Alternative format for documenting art therapy
BIRP Notes for Art Therapy
Alternative format for documenting art therapy
Progress Notes for Art Therapy
Alternative format for documenting art therapy
SIRP Notes for Art Therapy
Alternative format for documenting art therapy
PIE Notes for Art Therapy
Alternative format for documenting art therapy
Tips for GIRP Notes for Art Therapy
Connect to Diagnostic Criteria
Always link your observations and interventions back to the specific diagnostic criteria for Art 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 "Art 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 Art 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 Art 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 Art Therapy.
Demonstrate Treatment Progress
Connect each session to overall treatment goals for Art 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 Art Therapy often have other conditions. Document any comorbid diagnoses and how they interact. For example: "Client's Art 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.
- NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) — Delivers authoritative information on mental health disorders and therapeutic approaches, supporting evidence-based documentation.