GIRP Notes for Play Therapy: Template + Examples (2026)
Overview
The GIRP 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 GIRP 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 GIRP Notes structure, when properly applied to Play Therapy, communicates this clinical picture clearly and compliantly.
How to Document GIRP Notes for Play Therapy
Goals
Document current treatment goals, client's goals for this session, and progress toward established objectives
When documenting Goals in play therapy, specify the targeted developmental, emotional, or behavioral outcomes tailored to the child’s needs and therapy context. This section should clearly outline what the therapy aims to achieve through play-based interventions.
- Identify specific emotional regulation skills the child is expected to develop through play.
- Define social interaction or communication improvements targeted via therapeutic play activities.
- Set measurable behavioral goals related to impulse control, cooperation, or frustration tolerance.
- Establish developmental milestones relevant to the child’s age and presenting concerns.
- Outline goals related to enhancing self-expression and creativity within the therapeutic setting.
Intervention
Record specific interventions applied to address identified goals and advance treatment
In the Intervention section, document the specific play therapy techniques, modalities, and therapeutic tools utilized during the session, along with clinical observations that inform the therapeutic process.
- Describe use of symbolic play activities to explore the child’s inner experiences.
- Note implementation of art-based or sand tray techniques to facilitate emotional expression.
- Record observations of the child’s play themes, play style, and engagement level.
- Detail use of directive or nondirective play approaches based on therapeutic goals.
- Document incorporation of therapeutic storytelling or role-playing to address identified issues.
Response
Note the client's response to goal-focused work, progress indicators, and barriers to goal achievement
The Response section should capture the child’s reactions, engagement, and any observable changes during the session, as well as clinical impressions regarding progress or emerging diagnostic considerations.
- Assess the child’s willingness and ability to engage in therapeutic play activities.
- Note emotional responses or shifts observed during specific play interventions.
- Evaluate changes in behavior or affect that indicate progress toward therapy goals.
- Identify any new themes or issues revealed through play that may impact diagnosis or treatment.
- Summarize the child’s use of coping skills or problem-solving during play.
Plan
Specify action steps, revised goals if needed, and timeline for goal achievement
In the Plan section, outline the next steps for therapy, including adjustments to treatment strategies, assigned activities or homework, referrals if needed, and scheduling of upcoming sessions.
- Recommend specific play-based homework activities to reinforce skills between sessions.
- Plan modifications to therapeutic techniques based on the child’s response and progress.
- Identify need for multidisciplinary referrals, such as speech or occupational therapy, if indicated.
- Schedule frequency and format of future play therapy sessions tailored to the child’s needs.
- Set goals for parent or caregiver involvement to support therapeutic gains at home.
SOAP Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
DAP Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
BIRP 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
PIE Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
Tips for GIRP 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."
Master GIRP Notes Documentation
Let AI handle the structural formatting and organization while you focus on what matters: your clinical work and client care. Mental Note AI generates properly formatted notes in seconds, right in Microsoft Word.
Try for Free in WordReady to Write Better Notes Faster?
Join thousands of mental health professionals who trust Mental Note AI to handle their documentation.
Try for Free in WordNo credit card required. Works directly in Microsoft Word. Starts generating notes in seconds.
Further Reading
- APA Documentation Guidelines — Provides detailed standards and best practices for clinical documentation relevant to mental health professionals.
- SAMHSA — Offers resources and guidelines on behavioral health documentation and treatment planning.
- American Counseling Association — Contains ethical and practical guidance for counselors on documentation and client record-keeping.