Understanding DAP and SOAP Therapy Notes: Key Differences Explained

SOAP notes are documented by healthcare professionals such as therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists to record client sessions. SOAP notes enable the use of clear communication of client progress and treatment plans among multidisciplinary teams.

SOAP notes are so-called because they implement a patterned format, with four parts: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. This systematic approach enables healthcare professionals to write everything down regarding the client in a structured way and observe how this changes with time.

For SOAP notes, avoid including personal opinions or irrelevant details. Avoid jargon that would unnecessarily confuse the reader and make subjective inferences in the Objective section. Also, do not reveal confidential information without proper consent.

HPI is the abbreviation of "History of Present Illness." In the SOAP note, the actual current symptoms of the patient are recorded in detail in terms of onset and duration, and various factors that may influence this present state. It is generally in the Subjective section, which guides the clinician in understanding what the patient actually has at the moment.