SOAP Notes for Families: Example and Template
Overview
This guide is part of our complete SOAP notes hub — format structure, a full clinical example, and all 72 diagnosis-specific templates.
Want a first draft written from your session? The AI SOAP note generator in MentalNote turns a recorded session into a SOAP draft you review and edit.
This guide covers family therapy. Looking for a family medicine (primary care) SOAP note? See family medicine SOAP note examples and template.
No sign-up needed: open a fictional SOAP note in the MentalNote editor and edit it like a real draft.
Short answer: a family therapy SOAP note records what each family member reported (attributed to the person who said it) in Subjective; who attended, the interaction you observed and the intervention you used in Objective; your clinical judgment about the family pattern, how it relates to the identified client’s problem, progress and risk in Assessment; and each member’s task and the next session in Plan.
Family sessions usually serve one identified client’s diagnosis and treatment plan, so the note normally sits in that client’s record. Record who attended by role (for example mother, father, client), whether the identified client was present, and the session length. CPT 90847 is family psychotherapy with the patient present and 90846 is family psychotherapy without the patient present; both are described as 50 minutes, and payers set their own time and documentation rules.
What to document in a family therapy SOAP note
| Section | What to document | Example wording |
|---|---|---|
| Subjective | What each member reported, attributed to them | “Mother: 3 arguments about screen time this week. Son (14): ‘I feel lectured and the rules keep changing.’” |
| Subjective | Ratings by person | “Home tension 0–10: mother 7, father 6, son 8.” |
| Objective | Who attended, format and length | “Family session, 55 minutes, in person (CPT 90847). Present: identified client (son, 14), mother, father.” |
| Objective | The interaction you observed and the intervention used | “Mother answered questions directed to the son; son turned away. Used an enactment in which the family negotiated one screen-time rule.” |
| Assessment | The family pattern and its link to the identified client’s problem | “A pursue-withdraw cycle between mother and son appears to maintain the son’s irritability and the evening arguments.” |
| Assessment | Progress toward goals and risk screening | “Goal 1 (fewer escalated arguments) improving: 5 to 3 a week. Son screened alone: denied suicidal thoughts, self-harm and feeling unsafe at home.” |
| Plan | Each member’s task, consented contacts, next session | “One 15-minute family meeting using speaker-listener rules; the agreed rule written down and posted. Next family session in 1 week.” |
If anyone discloses suspected child abuse or neglect, or violence at home, follow your state’s mandated-reporting law and your agency’s policy, and record what was said, the report and the safety plan. When anyone reports suicidal thoughts, assess and record current thoughts, plan, intent, history, access to means, protective factors and the safety plan. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline takes calls and texts at 988; for imminent danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
How to Document SOAP Notes for Families
Subjective
Record the client's reported symptoms, concerns, mood, and perspective in their own words
When documenting the Subjective section for families, capture the client’s personal experience, including reported symptoms, concerns, and emotional states as described by the family members or the client. This section should reflect the family’s perspective on triggers and mood changes.
- Description of primary concerns or symptoms as reported by the client or family members
- Identification of specific triggers or stressors mentioned by the family
- Client’s self-reported mood and affect during the session
- Family’s observations of behavioral changes or emotional responses
- Any expressed goals or hopes for therapy as shared by the family
Objective
Document clinical observations, affect, behavior, appearance, and measurable data
The Objective section for families should document observable data collected during the session, including clinical observations, assessment techniques, and therapeutic interventions applied. This section records measurable or visible information noted by the clinician.
- Clinician’s observations of client’s affect, behavior, and interactions with family members
- Use of specific assessment tools or rating scales administered during the session
- Description of therapeutic techniques or modalities utilized (e.g., play therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques)
- Physical or physiological observations relevant to the client’s presentation
- Noted changes in family dynamics or communication patterns during the session
Assessment
Provide clinical interpretation, diagnostic impressions, and progress evaluation
The Assessment section for families summarizes clinical impressions, evaluates progress, and integrates diagnostic considerations based on both subjective reports and objective data. This section should reflect the clinician’s professional judgment on the client’s status and therapy response.
- Clinical impressions regarding the client’s emotional and behavioral status
- Evaluation of progress toward therapeutic goals since the last session
- Consideration of any changes or updates in diagnosis or symptom presentation
- Interpretation of client’s and family’s reactions to interventions or session content
- Identification of barriers or facilitators to treatment engagement within the family context
Plan
Outline treatment strategy, interventions, homework, and follow-up schedule
The Plan section for families outlines the next steps in treatment, including homework assignments, modifications to the therapy approach, referrals, and scheduling. It provides a clear roadmap for ongoing care tailored to the family’s needs.
- Specific homework or activities assigned to the client or family to complete before the next session
- Adjustments or planned changes to therapeutic techniques or focus areas
- Referrals to additional services or specialists if indicated
- Scheduling of upcoming sessions and frequency of follow-up
- Recommendations for family involvement or support outside of sessions
DAP Notes for Families
Alternative format for documenting families
BIRP Notes for Families
Alternative format for documenting families
Progress Notes for Families
Alternative format for documenting families
SIRP Notes for Families
Alternative format for documenting families
GIRP Notes for Families
Alternative format for documenting families
PIE Notes for Families
Alternative format for documenting families
Example SOAP Note for Family Therapy
Fictional documentation example, not treatment guidance. Every detail is invented. Adapt it to the session you actually provided and your organization’s requirements.
Subjective: Fictional family session 5. Identified client: 14-year-old boy, diagnosed at intake with adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct (F43.25) after a move to a new school. Treatment-plan goals: (1) escalated arguments at home on 2 or fewer evenings a week; (2) the son uses an agreed time-out instead of leaving the house; (3) the parents agree household rules in advance. Mother reported 3 arguments about screen time this week (5 the week before); twice the son left the room and once he went out to the yard for 20 minutes. Father said the arguments “end faster now.” Son said he “feels lectured” and that “the rules keep changing.” Home tension, 0–10: mother 7, father 6, son 8 (8, 7 and 9 last session).
Objective: Family session, 55 minutes, in person (CPT 90847, identified client present). Present: the son, his mother and his father; his 10-year-old sister did not attend. Son sat apart at first and moved closer after the second exercise. Mother often answered questions directed to the son, who then turned away; father was quiet until prompted. Used circular questioning about what happens just before arguments, then an enactment in which the family negotiated one screen-time rule using speaker-listener turns. They reached an agreed rule with one redirection when the mother interrupted. Son seen alone for the last 5 minutes for a safety check, as agreed with the family at intake.
Assessment: The family can negotiate rules when communication is structured. A pursue-withdraw cycle (mother questions and corrects, son withdraws, father stays out) appears to maintain the son’s irritability and the evening arguments. Goal 1 is improving (5 to 3 arguments a week), goal 2 is partly met (stayed on the property on all 3 occasions but has not yet used the agreed time-out) and goal 3 was practiced in session. Son, asked alone: denied suicidal thoughts, self-harm and feeling unsafe at home; family members report no physical aggression. No safety concerns identified.
Plan: Continue weekly family sessions. Family: one 15-minute family meeting using today’s speaker-listener rules; write down and post the agreed screen-time rule. Son: use the agreed 10-minute time-out in his room when an argument starts. Mother: ask one question and wait for the answer before adding another. Father: lead Sunday’s family meeting. Next session: review the meeting and explore the father’s role during conflicts; consider one parents-only session (CPT 90846) to align rules.
See a note like this in the editor: open a prepared fictional SOAP note in MentalNote, no sign-up. For your own sessions, the AI SOAP note generator drafts the note from a recorded session for you to review and edit.
Tips for SOAP Notes for Families
1. Record who was there
List attendees by role, the session length and format, and whether the identified client was present. Keep other members’ full names and private details to what the plan needs.
2. Attribute every report
Write who said what. When family members disagree, record each account neutrally rather than deciding which is true.
3. Describe the interaction
Family work targets patterns. Describe the sequence you saw, such as interrupting, escalation or withdrawal, and link it to the identified client’s problem.
4. Name the intervention
For example circular questioning, an enactment, reframing, boundary-making or communication coaching, and how each person responded.
5. Give each member a task
Plans work better when each person has a specific, checkable task, with a way to review it next session.
6. Screen safety privately
See the identified client alone briefly when appropriate, and follow your state’s mandated-reporting law for suspected abuse or neglect.
Master SOAP 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 drafts properly formatted notes for you to review, in the web app or in Microsoft Word.
Try a sample SOAP note, no sign-upReady for your own sessions? Create a free account: 5 web-app scribe sessions a month, BAA included, no credit card.
Prefer Microsoft Word? Get the free Word add-in. Installs from Microsoft AppSource.
Ready to Write Better Notes Faster?
Mental Note AI drafts structured clinical notes for you to review and edit.
Try it freePrefer Microsoft Word? Get the free Word add-in. Installs from Microsoft AppSource.
No credit card required. Works directly in Microsoft Word. You review and edit every draft.
Further Reading
- APA Documentation Guidelines — Provides detailed standards and best practices for clinical documentation relevant to mental health professionals working with families.
- SAMHSA — Offers resources and guidelines on behavioral health documentation, including family-centered care approaches.
- NASW (Social Workers) — Contains ethical and documentation standards for social workers, many of whom work extensively with families.