Treatment plan example · Illustrative

Depression Treatment Plan Example

A complete, fictional depression treatment plan: problem statement, long-term goal, measurable objectives, interventions and how progress is measured. Adapt the structure; build the content from your own assessment.

The MentalNote web app drafts treatment plans, intake assessments and progress notes from a recorded session, for you to review and edit. Free plan: 5 web-app scribe sessions a month, no credit card.

Illustrative example only. The client, scores and every other detail on this page are fictional and were written for this page. This is not a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation or clinical supervision. Build every plan from your own assessment of the client, and follow your licensing board, agency, payer and state requirements.

If a client is in crisis in the US, they can call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). Outside the US, use local emergency services.

Sample depression treatment plan

Each objective names who will do what, how it will be measured and by when. Each intervention says what the clinician will do. That link between problem, goal, objective and intervention is what reviewers look for.

Sample treatment plan (fictional client)

Diagnosis	Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate (ICD-10-CM F32.1), as established by the clinician's diagnostic assessment
Presenting problem	Adult client reports low mood most days for about three months, loss of interest in hobbies, early waking and withdrawal from friends. Missed four workdays last month because of low energy. PHQ-9 at intake: 16. Suicide risk screened at intake: client denied suicidal ideation, intent or plan; risk to be reassessed throughout treatment.
Strengths	Supportive sibling, stable job, previous good response to exercise, motivated to feel "like myself again".
Problem statement	Depressed mood and loss of interest are reducing work attendance, social contact and enjoyment of daily activities.
Long-term goal	Client will reduce depressive symptoms and return to their usual level of work and social functioning.
Short-term objectives	PHQ-9 score will fall from 16 to below 10 on two consecutive administrations within 12 weeks. Client will schedule and complete at least three valued or pleasant activities each week, recorded on an activity log, for four consecutive weeks. Client will identify three recurring negative automatic thoughts and write a balanced alternative for each on a thought record at least three times a week by week 8. Client will miss no more than one workday a month because of mood, by self-report, by the 90-day review.
Interventions	Behavioral activation: activity monitoring, values-based activity scheduling and review of the activity log each session. Cognitive behavioral therapy: psychoeducation on the links between thoughts, mood and behavior; thought records and cognitive restructuring. Administer the PHQ-9 every two weeks and review the trend with the client. Reassess suicide risk at each session and develop a written safety plan with the client if risk emerges. With the client's written consent, coordinate with the primary care provider and offer a referral for medication evaluation if symptoms do not improve or the client requests it.
Frequency	Weekly individual psychotherapy sessions for 12 weeks, then review.
Measures	PHQ-9 (9 items, scored 0 to 27). Scores of 5, 10, 15 and 20 are the usual cut points for mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depressive symptoms.
Review	Every 90 days, or sooner if the clinical picture changes, with client participation. Client and clinician sign the plan.
Discharge criteria	PHQ-9 below 10 for at least four weeks, objectives met, and a written relapse prevention plan listing early warning signs and coping steps.

More objectives you can adapt

Replace the numbers and dates with the client's own baseline and targets.

Area	Example objective
Sleep	Client will get up within 30 minutes of a set wake time on at least five days a week for three weeks.
Social connection	Client will contact a friend or family member at least twice a week, by self-report, for four weeks.
Daily functioning	Client will complete basic self-care (showering, regular meals) on at least six days a week, by self-report.
Problem solving	Client will use a structured problem-solving worksheet on one current stressor and complete one action step within two weeks.
Relapse prevention	Client will write a relapse prevention plan with three early warning signs and three coping responses before discharge.

Interventions often used

Behavioral activation
Cognitive restructuring (CBT)
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for role transitions or disputes
Problem-solving therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for relapse prevention after recurrent episodes
Psychoeducation and sleep hygiene

List only interventions you are trained to deliver and the client has agreed to.

Write the progress notes that match

Session notes should refer back to the objectives in the plan. These guides show how:

Other treatment plan examples

Anxiety Treatment Plan Example (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)

Client will reduce worry and anxiety to a level that no longer interferes with sleep, work and relationships.

PTSD Treatment Plan Example

Client will reduce PTSD symptoms enough to drive independently and sleep through most nights.

Adult ADHD Treatment Plan Example

Client will build reliable organization and time-management habits that improve task completion at work and home.

Substance Use Treatment Plan Example (Alcohol Use Disorder)

Client will reduce alcohol use to their chosen target and reduce related harm to relationships and work.

Adjustment Disorder Treatment Plan Example

Client will adapt to the job loss, restore daily structure and return to their usual level of functioning.

See all examples and the blank template on the treatment plan examples hub, or read how to write treatment plan goals and objectives.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good long-term goal for depression?

A long-term goal describes the broad outcome the client wants, in their terms, such as "reduce depressive symptoms and return to my usual work and social life". Measurable detail belongs in the short-term objectives under it.

How do you measure progress in a depression treatment plan?

Pair a standardized measure such as the PHQ-9 with behavioral targets the client can track, such as activities completed or workdays attended. Record the baseline at intake and the score at each review so the plan shows change over time.

How often should a depression treatment plan be reviewed?

Review it whenever the clinical picture changes and at the interval your agency, payer or state requires. Many settings review every 90 days. Update objectives that have been met or are not working.

Can MentalNote draft a treatment plan?

Yes. The MentalNote web app drafts treatment plans, intake assessments and progress notes from a recorded session, and you review and edit every draft. MentalNote is HIPAA-compliant, with a BAA included on every plan. The free plan includes 5 web-app scribe sessions a month.

Draft treatment plans in less time

Record a session with your client's consent and MentalNote drafts the note or plan for you to review. Free plan: 5 web-app scribe sessions a month, no credit card. Premium is $99/month or $990/year. HIPAA-compliant, with a BAA included on every plan.

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