SIRP Notes for Play Therapy: Template + Examples (2026)
Overview
The SIRP 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 SIRP 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 SIRP Notes structure, when properly applied to Play Therapy, communicates this clinical picture clearly and compliantly.
How to Document SIRP Notes for Play Therapy
Situation
Describe the presenting situation, precipitating events, current stressors, and context surrounding this session
When documenting the Situation section for play therapy, focus on describing the child's current emotional state, context, and any precipitating events or environmental factors influencing the session.
- Describe the child's mood and affect observed at the beginning of the session.
- Note any recent significant life events or stressors reported by the child or caregivers.
- Document the child's verbal and nonverbal communication cues relevant to emotional expression.
- Identify any behavioral concerns or symptoms that prompted the session.
- Record the child's level of engagement and willingness to participate at the start.
Intervention
Document specific therapeutic interventions, techniques, and clinical actions taken during the session
In the Intervention section for play therapy, detail the specific therapeutic techniques, play modalities, and clinical observations used to facilitate emotional processing and skill development.
- Specify the types of play materials and therapeutic tools introduced during the session.
- Describe the use of directive or nondirective play techniques applied.
- Note any use of role-playing, storytelling, or art-based methods to explore emotions.
- Record clinical observations of the child's interaction with play materials and therapist.
- Document any adaptations made to interventions based on the child's needs or responses.
Response
Record the client's response to interventions, observable changes, and emotional/behavioral reactions
The Response section should capture the child's reactions to the interventions, including emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes observed during the session.
- Evaluate the child's engagement level and willingness to explore therapeutic themes.
- Note any shifts in emotional expression or regulation throughout the session.
- Assess the child's ability to reflect on or verbalize feelings during play.
- Record observed progress toward therapeutic goals or identification of new challenges.
- Document any signs of resistance, avoidance, or distress related to the interventions.
Plan
Outline next steps, follow-up care, and ongoing treatment strategy based on current situation and response
In the Plan section, outline the next steps for therapy, including treatment adjustments, homework assignments, referrals, and scheduling to support the child's ongoing therapeutic progress.
- Identify specific play therapy goals to target in upcoming sessions.
- Recommend any therapeutic homework or activities for the child or family between sessions.
- Plan modifications to intervention strategies based on current session responses.
- Note any referrals to other professionals or services if needed.
- Schedule the next session date and specify any preparation required.
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
GIRP Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
PIE Notes for Play Therapy
Alternative format for documenting play therapy
Tips for SIRP 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 detailed standards for clinical documentation relevant to mental health professionals.
- SAMHSA — Offers resources and best practices for behavioral health documentation and treatment planning.
- NASW (Social Workers) — Includes ethical and documentation guidelines for social workers involved in therapeutic settings.