Initial Psychiatric SOAP Note Template
There are different ways in which to complete a Psychiatric SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) Note. This is a template that is meant to guide you as you continue to develop your style of SOAP in the psychiatric practice setting.
Criteria Clinical Notes
Informed Consent Informed consent given to patient about psychiatric interview process and psychiatric/psychotherapy treatment. Verbal and Written consent obtained. Patient has the ability/capacity to respond and appears to understand the risk, benefits, and (Will review additional consent during treatment plan discussion)
Subjective Verify Patient
Name:
DOB:
Minor:
Accompanied by:
Demographic:
Gender Identifier Note:
CC:
HPI:
Pertinent history in record and from patient: X
During assessment: Patient describes their mood as X and indicated it has gotten worse in TIME.
Patient self-esteem appears fair, no reported feelings of excessive guilt,
no reported anhedonia, does not report sleep disturbance, does not report change in appetite, does not report libido disturbances, does not report change in energy,
no reported changes in concentration or memory.
Patient does not report increased activity, agitation, risk-taking behaviors, pressured speech, or euphoria. Patient does not report excessive fears, worries or panic attacks.
Patient does not report hallucinations, delusions, obsessions or compulsions. Patient’s activity level, attention and concentration were observed to be within normal limits. Patient does not report symptoms of eating disorder. There is no recent weight loss or gain. Patient does not report symptoms of a characterological nature.
SI/ HI/ AV: Patient currently denies suicidal ideation, denies SIBx, denies homicidal ideation, denies violent behavior, denies inappropriate/illegal behaviors.
Allergies: NKDFA.
(medication & food)
Past Medical Hx:
Medical history: Denies cardiac, respiratory, endocrine and neurological issues, including history head injury.
Patient denies history of chronic infection, including MRSA, TB, HIV and Hep C.
Surgical history no surgical history reported
Past Psychiatric Hx:
Previous psychiatric diagnoses: none reported.
Describes stable course of illness.
Previous medication trials: none reported.
Safety concerns:
History of Violence to Self: none reported
History of Violence to Others: none reported
Auditory Hallucinations:
Visual Hallucinations:
Mental health treatment history discussed:
History of outpatient treatment: not reported
Previous psychiatric hospitalizations: not reported
Prior substance abuse treatment: not reported
Trauma history: Client does not report history of trauma including abuse, domestic violence, witnessing disturbing events.
Substance Use: Client denies use or dependence on nicotine/tobacco products.
Client does not report abuse of or dependence on ETOH, and other illicit drugs.
Current Medications: No current medications.
(Contraceptives):
Supplements:
Past Psych Med Trials:
Family Medical Hx:
Family Psychiatric Hx:
Substance use
Suicides
Psychiatric diagnoses/hospitalization
Developmental diagnoses
Social History:
Occupational History: currently unemployed. Denies previous occupational hx
Military service History: Denies previous military hx.
Education history: completed HS and vocational certificate
Developmental History: no significant details reported.
(Childhood History)
Legal History: no reported/known legal issues, no reported/known conservator or guardian.
Spiritual/Cultural Considerations: none reported.
ROS:
Constitutional: No report of fever or weight loss.
Eyes: No report of acute vision changes or eye pain.
ENT: No report of hearing changes or difficulty swallowing.
Cardiac: No report of chest pain, edema or orthopnea.
Respiratory: Denies dyspnea, cough or wheeze.
GI: No report of abdominal pain.
GU: No report of dysuria or hematuria.
Musculoskeletal: No report of joint pain or swelling.
Skin: No report of rash, lesion, abrasions.
Neurologic: No report of seizures, blackout, numbness or focal weakness. Endocrine: No report of polyuria or polydipsia.
Hematologic: No report of blood clots or easy bleeding.
Allergy: No report of hives or allergic reaction.
Reproductive: No report of significant issues. (females: GYN hx; abortions, miscarriages, pregnancies, hysterectomy, PCOS, etc…)
Verify Patient: Name, Assigned identification number (e.g., medical record number), Date of birth, Phone number, Social security number, Address, Photo.
Include demographics, chief complaint, subjective information from the patient, names and relations of others present in the interview.
HPI:
, Past Medical and Psychiatric History,
Current Medications, Previous Psych Med trials,
Allergies.
Social History, Family History.
Review of Systems (ROS) – if ROS is negative, “ROS noncontributory,” or “ROS negative with the exception of…”
Objective Vital Signs: Stable
Temp:
BP:
HR:
R:
O2:
Pain:
Ht:
Wt:
BMI:
BMI Range:
LABS:
Lab findings WNL
Tox screen: Negative
Alcohol: Negative
HCG: N/A
Physical Exam:
MSE:
Patient is cooperative and conversant, appears without acute distress, and fully oriented x 4. Patient is dressed appropriately for age and season. Psychomotor activity appears within normal.
Presents with appropriate eye contact, euthymic affect – full, even, congruent with reported mood of “x”. Speech: spontaneous, normal rate, appropriate volume/tone with no problems expressing self.
TC: no abnormal content elicited, denies suicidal ideation and denies homicidal ideation. Process appears linear, coherent, goal-directed.
Cognition appears grossly intact with appropriate attention span & concentration and average fund of knowledge.
Judgment appears fair . Insight appears fair
The patient is able to articulate needs, is motivated for compliance and adherence to medication regimen. Patient is willing and able to participate with treatment, disposition, and discharge planning.
This is where the “facts” are located.
Vitals,
**Physical Exam (if performed, will not be performed every visit in every setting)
Include relevant labs, test results, and Include MSE, risk assessment here, and psychiatric screening measure results.
Assessment DSM5 Diagnosis: with ICD-10 codes
Dx: –
Dx: –
Dx: –
Patient has the ability/capacity appears to respond to psychiatric medications/psychotherapy and appears to understand the need for medications/psychotherapy and is willing to maintain adherent.
Reviewed potential risks & benefits, Black Box warnings, and alternatives including declining treatment.
Include your findings, diagnosis and differentials (DSM-5 and any other medical diagnosis) along with ICD-10 codes, treatment options, and patient input regarding treatment options (if possible), including obstacles to treatment.
Informed Consent Ability
Plan
(Note some items may only be applicable in the inpatient environment)
Inpatient:
Psychiatric. Admits to X as per HPI.
Estimated stay 3-5 days
Safety Risk/Plan: Patient is found to be stable and has control of behavior. Patient likely poses a minimal risk to self and a minimal risk to others at this time.
Patient denies abnormal perceptions and does not appear to be responding to internal stimuli.
Pharmacologic interventions: including dosage, route, and frequency and non-pharmacologic:
• No changes to current medication, as listed in chart, at this time
• or…Zoloft is an excellent option for many women who experience any menstrual cycle complaints. I usually start at 50 mg and move to 100 week 6-8. f/u within 2 weeks initially then every 6-8 weeks.
• Psychotherapy referral for CBT
Education, including health promotion, maintenance, and psychosocial needs
• Importance of medication
• Discussed current tobacco use. NRT not indicated.
• Safety planning
• Discuss worsening sx and when to contact office or report to ED
Referrals: endocrinologist for diabetes
Follow-up, including return to clinic (RTC) with time frame and reason and any labs that are needed for next visit 2 weeks
☒ > 50% time spent counseling/coordination of care.
Time spent in Psychotherapy 18 minutes
Visit lasted 55 minutes
Billing Codes for visit:
XX
XX
XX
____________________________________________
NAME, TITLE
Date: Click here to enter a date. Time: X
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Template for a Psychiatric SOAP Note
A Psychiatric SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) Note can be completed in a variety of ways. This is a template to help you as you continue to refine your SOAP style in the psychiatric practice context.
Clinical Notes Criteria
Consent Based on Information
The patient receives informed permission regarding the psychiatric interview process and psychiatric/psychotherapy treatment. Consent was obtained both verbally and in writing. The patient has the ability to respond and appears to be aware of the risks, advantages, and alternatives (Will review additional consent during treatment plan discussion)
Patient’s Subjective Verification
Name:
DOB:
Minor:
Accompanied by:
Demographic:
Gender Identifier Note:
CC:
HPI:
Pertinent history in record and from patient: X
During assessment: Patient describes their mood as X and indicated it has gotten
