What should a SOAP note for solution-focused therapy include?

Subjective: what is better, exceptions, preferred future and scaling ratings, plus symptoms, function and risk. Objective: observations, measures and the SFBT techniques used. Assessment: progress toward goals, strengths and risk. Plan: the next small step the client chose and repeat measures.

How do you document a scaling question?

Record the scale and anchors (for example, 0 = worst, 10 = goal reached), the client’s rating, the previous rating, and what the client said one step higher would look like.

How do you document the miracle question?

Summarize the client’s description of their preferred future in concrete, observable terms, such as “gets up at 7, walks, calls one person about work,” and link it to the treatment goals.

Is solution-focused brief therapy accepted for insurance documentation?

Payers look for medical necessity, a diagnosis, symptoms, functional impairment, a measurable goal and progress, whatever the approach. Record those alongside the SFBT techniques, and check your payer’s requirements.

What is an exception in solution-focused therapy?

An exception is a time when the problem did not happen or was less severe. In a note, record when it happened, what the client did differently and how they could do more of it.

SOAP Notes for Solution-Focused Therapy: Template + Examples (2026)

Record a session and MentalNote drafts the SOAP note for you to review and edit. No sign-up to try. HIPAA-compliant, with a BAA included on every plan. Open a sample SOAP note

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.

No sign-up needed: open a fictional SOAP note in the MentalNote editor and edit it like a real draft.

Short answer: a SOAP note for solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) has four parts. Subjective: the client’s report of what is better since the last session, exceptions (times the problem was absent or smaller), their preferred future and their scaling ratings, alongside symptoms and function. Objective: your observations, scores such as the PHQ-9 or GAD-7 and the SFBT techniques you used, such as scaling, exception-finding, the miracle question and coping questions. Assessment: progress toward the client’s goals, the strengths and resources the session showed, and risk. Plan: the next small step the client chose and when you will repeat measures.

SFBT talks about solutions rather than problems, but a clinical record still needs a diagnosis, symptoms, function and a measurable goal. Record the client’s scaling numbers next to a standard measure so the note shows progress in both the client’s terms and clinical ones.

What to document in a SOAP note for solution-focused therapy

Solution-focused therapy details to document in a SOAP note, with fictional example wording
Section	What to document	Example wording
Subjective	What is better, exceptions, preferred future and scaling ratings; symptoms, function and risk, asked directly	“Rates coping 5/10 (3/10 at session 1); applied for 3 jobs; exception: mornings after a walk; denies suicidal thoughts.”
Objective	Observations, measures and the SFBT techniques used	“PHQ-9 11 (16 at intake). Scaling, exception-finding and coping questions; amplified what she did differently on good mornings.”
Assessment	Progress toward the client’s goals, strengths and resources, and risk	“Adjustment disorder improving; walking and structured mornings help; risk judged low.”
Plan	The next small step the client chose and repeat measures	“Notice what is different on days rated 6; walk 4 mornings; PHQ-9 every 2 sessions.”

Safety. A focus on strengths does not replace a risk assessment. Ask directly about suicidal thoughts and record the answer. If a client reports suicidal thoughts, assess and record current thoughts, plan, intent, preparatory behavior, past attempts, access to means (including firearms and medications), protective factors, your risk formulation and the safety plan. Coping questions (“How have you kept going?”) can show protective factors, but record them as part of a full risk formulation, not instead of one. 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 Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Subjective

Record the client's reported symptoms, concerns, mood, and perspective in their own words

When documenting the Subjective section for a solution-focused approach, capture the client’s own description of their current situation, including their concerns, emotions, and any recent changes they perceive. This section should emphasize client-reported strengths, exceptions, and goals.

Client’s description of presenting problems and desired changes
Identification of past successes or exceptions to the problem
Client’s report of moods, feelings, and affect related to their concerns
Client’s perception of triggers or situations that worsen or improve their issues
Statements reflecting client’s motivation and hopes for therapy

Objective

Document clinical observations, affect, behavior, appearance, and measurable data

In the Objective section for solution-focused documentation, record observable client behaviors, therapist interventions, and specific techniques or modalities utilized during the session. Focus on concrete evidence of client engagement and therapeutic progress.

Therapist’s observations of client’s verbal and nonverbal communication
Description of solution-focused techniques applied (e.g., scaling questions, miracle question)
Use of goal-setting strategies and client responses to them
Documentation of client’s demonstration of new skills or coping mechanisms
Noting any homework or task review conducted during the session

Assessment

Provide clinical interpretation, diagnostic impressions, and progress evaluation

The Assessment section in a solution-focused note should summarize clinical impressions based on client progress, response to interventions, and any diagnostic considerations. Highlight strengths, changes, and collaborative evaluation of the client’s trajectory.

Evaluation of client’s progress toward stated goals since last session
Clinical impressions regarding client’s problem-solving abilities and resilience
Assessment of client’s engagement and openness to solution-focused techniques
Consideration of any emerging diagnostic or contextual factors impacting treatment
Client’s expressed reactions to interventions and perceived effectiveness

Plan

Outline treatment strategy, interventions, homework, and follow-up schedule

In the Plan section for solution-focused therapy, outline the next steps collaboratively agreed upon with the client, including homework assignments, session scheduling, and any modifications to the treatment approach or referrals needed to support goal attainment.

Specific homework or practice tasks aimed at reinforcing strengths and solutions
Adjustments to therapeutic techniques or goals based on client progress
Plans for follow-up sessions and frequency of meetings
Referrals to additional resources or support services if indicated
Client and therapist agreement on focus areas for upcoming sessions