SOAP Notes for ADHD: Example and Template
How to write a SOAP note for a client with ADHD: what to document in each section, a fictional worked example, and answers to common questions about medication, rating scales and documenting children versus adults.
Quick Answer
An ADHD SOAP note shows how attention, organization or impulsivity affected the client’s functioning since the last session and what you did about it. Subjective: the client’s report (and, for a child, the caregiver’s or teacher’s) of specific problems and wins. Objective: what you observed in session and any rating-scale scores. Assessment: progress toward functional goals and what is getting in the way. Plan: strategies to practice, coordination and the next session. Write concrete examples, such as “missed 2 of 5 deadlines,” not “client is distractible.”
Overview
This guide is part of our complete SOAP notes hub — format structure, a full clinical example, and all 72 diagnosis-specific templates.
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ADHD notes are most useful when they show function. DSM-5-TR requires ADHD symptoms in two or more settings that interfere with or reduce the quality of functioning, so record what happened at work, school or home, not only how the client felt. Stay within your scope: a therapist records what the client reports about medication and coordinates with the prescriber, but does not assess dosing unless they are the prescriber.
What to document in an ADHD SOAP note
| SOAP section | What to document | Example wording |
|---|---|---|
| Subjective | Specific problems and wins since the last session, in the client’s words | “Missed 2 of 5 work deadlines (3 of 5 last week). Client: ‘I start three things and finish none.’” |
| Subjective | Collateral reports, attributed (caregiver, teacher, partner), with authorization where needed | “Per client, manager noted she was on time for all meetings.” For a child: “Parent reported homework finished on 3 of 5 nights.” |
| Subjective | Medication, as the client reports it, if someone else prescribes | “Reports taking prescribed medication most days; no new concerns to raise with the prescriber.” |
| Objective | What you observed: punctuality, activity level, attention to task, organization | “Arrived on time with planner; shifted position often; returned to the task after one redirect.” |
| Objective | Rating-scale scores, with who completed it and the date | “Adult self-report ADHD scale repeated today; score and date recorded in the measures log.” |
| Assessment | Progress toward functional goals, barriers and any safety concerns | “Partial progress toward the deadline goal; interruptions remain the main barrier. No safety concerns.” |
| Plan | Strategies, who does what, coordination (with consent) and next session | “Daily three-priority list and two 25-minute focus blocks; next session in 1 week.” |
How to Document SOAP Notes for ADHD
Subjective
Record the client's reported symptoms, concerns, mood, and perspective in their own words
When documenting the Subjective section for ADHD, capture the client’s personal experience of their symptoms, including specific challenges they face, triggers that exacerbate symptoms, and the emotional impact these symptoms have on their daily life.
- Client’s description of attention difficulties and distractibility in various settings
- Reported frequency and severity of hyperactivity or impulsivity episodes
- Identification of specific environmental or emotional triggers worsening symptoms
- Client’s mood and affect related to ADHD symptoms, including frustration or anxiety
- Impact of symptoms on academic, occupational, and social functioning as reported by the client
Objective
Document clinical observations, affect, behavior, appearance, and measurable data
In the Objective section for ADHD, document observable behaviors, clinical findings, and any assessment tools or therapeutic techniques used during the session to evaluate or manage ADHD symptoms.
- Clinician’s observation of client’s attention span, restlessness, or impulsivity during session
- Results from standardized ADHD rating scales or cognitive assessments administered
- Use of behavioral observation checklists to track symptom presentation
- Application of therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral strategies or organizational skills training
- Notes on client’s engagement level and response to therapeutic interventions during the session
Assessment
Provide clinical interpretation, diagnostic impressions, and progress evaluation
The Assessment section for ADHD should synthesize clinical impressions based on subjective reports and objective findings, evaluate treatment progress, and revisit diagnostic considerations or differential diagnoses.
- Clinical impression of ADHD symptom severity and subtype based on gathered data
- Evaluation of client’s response to current treatment strategies and medication adherence if applicable
- Consideration of comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities
- Assessment of functional impairments in daily living and social interactions
- Summary of client’s insight and motivation for behavior change or symptom management
Plan
Outline treatment strategy, interventions, homework, and follow-up schedule
In the Plan section for ADHD, outline the next steps including treatment adjustments, recommended interventions, referrals, and scheduling to support symptom management and overall functioning.
- Modification or continuation of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment approaches
- Assignment of specific behavioral homework or organizational skill-building tasks
- Referral to specialists such as psychiatrists, occupational therapists, or educational support services
- Scheduling of follow-up appointments and frequency of monitoring
- Introduction of new therapeutic techniques or resources tailored to client’s evolving needs
ADHD SOAP note example
Fictional documentation example, not treatment guidance. Adapt it to the session you actually conducted and your organization’s requirements.
Subjective: Fictional adult client, session 6; ADHD, combined presentation, diagnosed before therapy began. Treatment-plan goal: meet at least 4 of 5 weekly work deadlines. Client reported missing 2 of 5 deadlines this week (3 of 5 last week), losing track of tasks after interruptions and staying up late twice to catch up. Client stated: “I start three things and finish none.” Used the daily list on 4 of 5 workdays. Reports taking medication as prescribed by her primary care provider; no new concerns to raise with the prescriber.
Objective: Arrived on time with a paper planner. Shifted position frequently and checked phone twice, returning to the task after one redirect each time. Speech normal in rate; engaged throughout. Completed a written breakdown of one work project with support.
Assessment: Partial progress toward the deadline goal: the daily list is helping, and interruptions at work remain the main barrier. Late-night catch-up is shortening sleep, which may be making next-day attention harder. No safety concerns identified.
Plan: Introduced a 25-minute focus block with notifications off and a “parking lot” note for interruptions. Client will keep the three-priority list daily and try two focus blocks a day. Client will mention the late nights and sleep to her prescriber at her next appointment. Next session in one week to review deadlines met.
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Tips for SOAP Notes for ADHD
1. Write function, not adjectives
Record concrete examples: deadlines met or missed, homework finished, lost items, late arrivals, conflicts after impulsive comments. “Missed 2 of 5 deadlines (3 of 5 last week)” shows change; “client remains distractible” does not.
2. Record collateral by source
For children, record parent and teacher reports separately and note the authorization for school contact. For adults, attribute partner or employer feedback, for example “per client, manager noted…”.
3. Use rating scales consistently
If you use a measure such as the ASRS for adults or the Vanderbilt rating scales for children, record the score, the date and who completed it, and repeat it at set points. Do not paste the items into the note. A rating scale supports an assessment but does not make the diagnosis on its own.
4. Stay within your scope on medication
If a client takes ADHD medication, record what they report and any coordination with the prescriber. Unless you are the prescriber, do not record dosing advice or judgments about the medication; note concerns the client plans to raise with the prescriber.
5. Link each strategy to a goal
Name the specific skill practiced (task breakdown, timers, a planner routine, a homework start time) and the treatment-plan goal it serves, then record whether the client used it between sessions.
6. Note co-occurring concerns separately
Anxiety, low mood, sleep problems and substance use often occur with ADHD. If you assess them, document the findings on their own terms rather than attributing every difficulty to ADHD.
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Further Reading
- DSM-5-TR — Provides the diagnostic criteria for ADHD essential for accurate clinical assessment in SOAP notes.
- APA Documentation Guidelines — Offers detailed guidance on clinical documentation practices relevant to mental health conditions like ADHD.
- NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) — Contains authoritative information on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment useful for clinical documentation.