35 ChatGPT Prompts for Mental Health Counselors (Claude, ChatGPT & DeepSeek)
You see 8 clients today. Each session generates a DAP note that must meet insurance billing standards — Data, Assessment, Plan — specific enough to justify the diagnosis, measurable enough to defend in an audit, and written in the 15 minutes between your last client and dinner.
The math: 8 sessions × 15 minutes = 2 hours of daily documentation. Multiplied by a 5-day week, that's 10 hours — a quarter of your clinical work time. For private practice therapists accepting insurance, these notes aren't optional — they determine whether claims get paid and whether audits succeed.
The mental health documentation crisis is real. Mentalyc, SimplePractice, and TherapyNotes are all building AI scribe tools because therapists told them to. These prompts give you the same productivity without a platform dependency or a subscription fee.
They work with Claude, ChatGPT, and DeepSeek. Replace the bracketed fields and spend your 15 minutes reviewing, not writing.
Why Mental Health Documentation Has Become a Crisis
Mental health professionals face two simultaneous documentation pressures. First, insurance payers are increasing audit scrutiny — BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, and UHC now request records more frequently and require treatment plans with measurable, specific goals written in language that matches their medical necessity criteria.
Second, the therapy workforce is burning out. A 2025 survey by the American Counseling Association found that documentation burden was the #1 contributor to compassion fatigue among licensed therapists — ahead of caseload size and supervision requirements.
730,000+ substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in the US (BLS 2024). The professional who can document efficiently while maintaining clinical precision has a sustainable career. These prompts are the bridge.
Category 1: Progress Notes (DAP and SOAP Format)
Progress notes are the core documentation burden. These prompts generate structurally sound notes that meet insurance billing standards from your session observations.
Prompt 1 — DAP Progress Note (Standard)
Write a DAP (Data-Assessment-Plan) progress note for an outpatient therapy session.
Client: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS — ICD-10 preferred, e.g., F41.1 Generalized Anxiety Disorder]
Session number: [#]
Session type: [INDIVIDUAL / COUPLES / FAMILY — telehealth or in-person]
Session focus: [TOPIC COVERED IN SESSION — e.g., cognitive restructuring of catastrophic thinking, processing recent job loss, exploring family-of-origin patterns]
Data (objective behavioral observations and session content):
- Client presentation: [AFFECT, APPEARANCE, ENGAGEMENT LEVEL — e.g., "Client appeared tearful at session onset, affect improved by midpoint"]
- Content discussed: [KEY TOPICS, WHAT CLIENT SHARED]
- Therapeutic interventions used: [TECHNIQUES — e.g., Socratic questioning, behavioral activation, EMDR processing phase, DBT diary card review]
- Client response to interventions: [HOW CLIENT ENGAGED — reflective, resistant, insightful, dysregulated]
Assessment (clinical interpretation):
- Progress toward treatment goals: [IMPROVED / UNCHANGED / REGRESSION — specific goal from treatment plan]
- Clinical interpretation: [BRIEF — what the session data means clinically]
Plan:
- Next session focus: [NEXT TOPIC/INTERVENTION]
- Between-session tasks: [HOMEWORK — if assigned]
- Treatment plan revision needed: [YES / NO]
Professional, insurance-ready DAP note. Under 300 words.
Prompt 2 — SOAP Progress Note
Write a SOAP progress note for a mental health counseling session.
Client: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS]
Session number: [#]
Subjective (client's self-report):
- Client stated: [DIRECT OR PARAPHRASED REPORT — what they said about their week, current symptoms, mood]
- Symptom severity self-rated: [PHQ-9 SCORE / GAD-7 SCORE / CLIENT'S OWN DESCRIPTION — e.g., "7/10 anxiety this week"]
Objective (clinician observations):
- Appearance: [GROOMING, ATTIRE — relevant only if clinically significant]
- Affect: [FLAT / BLUNTED / EUTHYMIC / ANXIOUS / ELEVATED — with degree]
- Behavior: [ENGAGEMENT, EYE CONTACT, PSYCHOMOTOR ACTIVITY]
- Speech: [RATE, RHYTHM, VOLUME — if clinically significant]
- Thought content: [SUICIDAL IDEATION / SI — YES with plan and intent assessment / NO]
Assessment:
- Diagnostic impression: [CONSISTENT WITH CURRENT DIAGNOSIS / CONSIDER DIFFERENTIAL]
- Functional impact: [HOW SYMPTOMS AFFECT WORK / RELATIONSHIPS / DAILY LIVING]
- Progress toward goals: [PROGRESS STATUS]
Plan:
- Interventions next session: [FOCUS]
- Medication referral needed: [YES — to be referred / NO]
- Session frequency: [MAINTAIN / INCREASE / DECREASE]
Clinical format. Under 300 words.
Prompt 3 — Crisis Session Progress Note
Write a progress note for a session involving a safety assessment or crisis intervention.
Client: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS]
Crisis presentation: [DESCRIBE — what brought the client in / what emerged in session — suicidal ideation / self-harm / acute distress / domestic violence / psychiatric decompensation]
Risk assessment completed:
- SI: [PRESENT — plan/intent/means/history / ABSENT]
- HI: [PRESENT — target / ABSENT]
- Self-harm: [CURRENT / HISTORY / ABSENT]
- Protective factors: [LIST — e.g., no access to means, children, religious beliefs, therapeutic alliance, commitment to safety plan]
- Risk level: [LOW / MODERATE / HIGH — with clinical basis]
Intervention: [WHAT WAS DONE — safety plan reviewed/created, hospitalization discussed/declined/initiated, collateral contact made, emergency services called]
Safety plan documented: [YES — key elements / NO — reason]
Disposition: [CLIENT AGREED TO — next steps, hospitalization status, follow-up timeline]
Collateral contact: [MADE — who, what communicated / NOT MADE — reason]
Clinical reasoning for level of care determination: [WHY THIS LEVEL OF CARE IS APPROPRIATE]
This note will be reviewed if there is ever an adverse outcome. Be thorough and document every step. Under 400 words.
Prompt 4 — Group Therapy Session Note
Write a group therapy progress note for a single member's participation.
Group type: [CBT GROUP / PROCESS GROUP / PSYCHOEDUCATION — specify, e.g., "DBT skills training group"]
Group session topic: [TOPIC]
Client: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS]
Client's participation level: [ACTIVE / PASSIVE / DISRUPTIVE / ABSENT — if absent, note reason]
Client's stated content or interaction: [WHAT THEY SHARED, HOW THEY INTERACTED WITH OTHERS]
Client's response to group interventions: [INSIGHT GAINED / RESISTANT / SKILL PRACTICED]
Progress toward individual goals through group: [HOW THIS SESSION ADDRESSED THEIR TREATMENT PLAN GOALS]
Safety: [NO SAFETY CONCERNS IDENTIFIED / NOTE IF ANY AROSE]
Plan: [NEXT GROUP SESSION / INDIVIDUAL FOLLOW-UP IF NEEDED]
Individualized note for a group member. Under 200 words.
Prompt 5 — Couples Therapy Session Note
Write a couples therapy progress note.
Session number: [#]
Presenting concern: [RELATIONSHIP ISSUE ADDRESSED THIS SESSION — e.g., communication breakdown, infidelity processing, parenting conflict, intimacy avoidance]
Couple's dynamic observed: [INTERACTIONAL PATTERN — e.g., pursuer-withdrawer dynamic, escalating arguments, emotional shutdown]
Partner 1 presentation: [BRIEF — engagement, affect, key statements]
Partner 2 presentation: [BRIEF — engagement, affect, key statements]
Therapeutic interventions: [TECHNIQUES — e.g., Gottman Four Horsemen mapping, reflective listening exercise, EFT cycle de-escalation, homework review]
Session outcome: [PROGRESS MADE — e.g., couple identified triggering pattern, completed softened start-up exercise without escalation]
Safety: [DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SCREENING — no safety concerns / concerns noted and addressed as follows]
Plan: [NEXT SESSION FOCUS / HOMEWORK]
Under 300 words. Couples notes require documenting both parties' engagement.
Category 2: Treatment Plans
Insurance payers require treatment plans with measurable, specific goals written in language their reviewers recognize. Vague goals — "client will improve anxiety" — get denied.
Prompt 6 — Treatment Plan Goal (SMART Format)
Write a treatment plan goal in SMART format for a mental health client.
Diagnosis: [ICD-10 — e.g., F32.1 Major Depressive Disorder, Moderate]
Problem: [SPECIFIC CLINICAL PROBLEM — e.g., "client reports pervasive hopelessness and social isolation resulting in occupational impairment"]
Goal: [WHAT WILL BE ACHIEVED]
Objective (measurable): Write 2-3 objectives that are:
- Specific (what the client will do)
- Measurable (include a measurement — PHQ-9, GAD-7, self-report scale, frequency count)
- Achievable
- Relevant to diagnosis
- Time-bound (within how many weeks/sessions)
Example format: "Client will reduce PHQ-9 score from [BASELINE] to [TARGET] within 12 sessions as evidenced by weekly self-report."
Intervention(s): [THERAPEUTIC MODALITY — CBT / DBT / ACT / EMDR / trauma-focused — specify]
Clinician responsible: [TITLE AND CREDENTIAL]
Review date: [30 / 60 / 90 DAYS]
Write 3 goals in this format for the above diagnosis. Under 400 words total.
Prompt 7 — Treatment Plan Narrative Summary
Write a treatment plan narrative for insurance submission.
Client: [AGE, SEX]
Diagnoses: [PRIMARY — ICD-10 / SECONDARY — if applicable]
Presenting problems: [BRIEF CLINICAL SUMMARY — what brought them to treatment, functional impairment]
Mental status: [BRIEF — affect, cognition, insight, judgment at time of assessment]
Strengths: [CLIENT RESOURCES — e.g., strong social support, employment, motivation for change]
Treatment approach: [MODALITY — CBT / DBT / EMDR / trauma-focused / psychodynamic — with rationale]
Frequency of sessions: [WEEKLY / BIWEEKLY — with clinical justification]
Estimated duration: [NUMBER OF SESSIONS OR MONTHS]
Measurable goals: [3 GOALS IN SMART FORMAT — reference the goal prompt above]
Medical necessity: [WHY THIS CLIENT NEEDS THIS LEVEL OF CARE — specific functional impairment, symptom severity, risk factors]
Prognosis: [GOOD / FAIR / GUARDED — with clinical reasoning]
Insurance submission format. Under 400 words.
Prompt 8 — Treatment Plan 90-Day Update
Write a treatment plan 90-day progress update for insurance review.
Client: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS]
Treatment period: [DATE RANGE — 90 days]
Original goals: [LIST THE GOALS FROM THE INITIAL PLAN]
Progress on Goal 1: [DESCRIBE — objective measurement, clinical observations, movement toward goal — or regression]
Progress on Goal 2: [SAME]
Progress on Goal 3: [SAME]
Overall treatment progress: [RESPONDING WELL / PARTIALLY RESPONDING / NOT RESPONDING — with clinical basis]
Modified or new goals: [IF APPLICABLE — why goals were changed]
Continued medical necessity: [WHY CONTINUED TREATMENT IS MEDICALLY NECESSARY — symptom persistence, functional impairment, risk factors]
Revised treatment plan duration: [ADDITIONAL SESSIONS REQUESTED]
Clinician signature line: [NAME, CREDENTIAL, DATE]
Insurance-ready update. Measurable progress language required. Under 400 words.
Prompt 9 — Safety Plan Documentation
Write a safety plan for a client with suicidal ideation or self-harm.
Client: [AGE, SEX — no identifiers beyond basic demographics in this document]
Warning signs: [CLIENT'S SPECIFIC TRIGGERS — e.g., "feelings of hopelessness after family conflict," "insomnia lasting more than 2 nights," "social withdrawal"]
Internal coping strategies: [WHAT THEY CAN DO ALONE — e.g., distraction techniques, physical exercise, journaling, breathing exercises]
Social contacts for distraction: [FRIENDS/FAMILY WHO DON'T NEED TO KNOW THE REASON — names and contacts]
People and settings that provide support: [CONTACTS WHO CAN HELP IN CRISIS — names and contacts]
Crisis resources:
- Therapist emergency contact: [YOUR AFTER-HOURS NUMBER]
- Crisis line: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
- Emergency: 911
- Nearest ER: [FACILITY]
Means restriction: [SPECIFIC — if firearms present, what is the plan? Medications — are they secured?]
Reasons for living: [CLIENT-GENERATED — most important reason to live]
Completed collaboratively with client. Client received copy — documented. Under 300 words.
Category 3: Prior Authorization Letters
Insurance companies require clinical justification for continued outpatient therapy. These letters must speak the language payers respond to.
Prompt 10 — Initial Prior Authorization Request
Write an initial prior authorization request for outpatient individual therapy.
Client: [AGE, SEX]
Insurer: [CARRIER — e.g., BCBS PPO / Cigna / Aetna / UHC]
Diagnosis: [ICD-10 CODES — primary and secondary]
Requested sessions: [NUMBER — typically 10-20]
Clinical justification (medical necessity):
- Severity of symptoms: [PHQ-9 SCORE / GAD-7 / SPECIFIC SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION]
- Functional impairment: [WORK / RELATIONSHIPS / DAILY ACTIVITIES AFFECTED]
- Risk factors: [SUICIDAL IDEATION HISTORY / TRAUMA / CRISIS HISTORY]
- Treatment approach and rationale: [MODALITY AND WHY IT'S APPROPRIATE]
- Expected treatment response: [PROGNOSIS]
Clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL, NPI, TAX ID]
Date of assessment: [DATE]
CPT codes to be billed: [90837 / 90834 / 90847 — as applicable]
Medical necessity language that payers accept. Under 350 words.
Prompt 11 — Continued Care Authorization (Extension)
Write a prior authorization extension request for continued outpatient therapy.
Client: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS]
Insurer: [CARRIER]
Sessions completed to date: [NUMBER]
Progress to date: [SPECIFIC — PHQ-9/GAD-7 change from baseline, behavioral improvements, goal progress]
Why treatment is not yet complete: [CLINICAL REASONING — goals partially met, active trauma processing, risk factors requiring continued support]
Specific barriers to discharge: [WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF TREATMENT ENDED NOW]
Requested additional sessions: [NUMBER]
Revised treatment goals: [IF GOALS HAVE CHANGED — what replaces completed goals]
Expected timeline for discharge: [SPECIFIC — or "reassess at next review"]
Clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL, NPI]
Extension denials are the most common payer obstacle. This letter must show measurable progress AND continuing need. Under 350 words.
Prompt 12 — Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Authorization
Write a prior authorization request for Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) level of care.
Client: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS — substance use / MDD / anxiety / trauma — primary reason]
Why outpatient individual therapy is insufficient: [SPECIFIC — symptom severity, crisis frequency, failed response to lower LOC]
IOP medical necessity criteria being met: [CITE ASAM CRITERIA FOR SUD / Milliman / InterQual for mental health — whichever payer uses]
IOP components requested: [GROUP SESSIONS/WEEK, INDIVIDUAL FREQUENCY, PSYCHIATRIC MONITORING]
Duration requested: [WEEKS]
Aftercare plan: [WHAT FOLLOWS IOP — step down to outpatient, level of care criteria for graduation]
Risk factors supporting IOP: [SUICIDAL IDEATION HISTORY / HIGH-RISK SUBSTANCE USE / RECENT CRISIS]
Clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL]
LOC upgrades require strong clinical justification. Under 350 words.
Prompt 13 — Telehealth Services Prior Authorization
Write a prior authorization request for telehealth therapy services.
Client: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS]
Insurer: [CARRIER]
Telehealth modality: [VIDEO / TELEPHONE — specify]
Clinical justification for telehealth: [SPECIFIC — e.g., rural location with no local providers, mobility limitations, transportation barriers, client preference for access reasons]
Clinical appropriateness for telehealth: [CONFIRM — diagnosis does not require in-person monitoring, no active psychosis, no crisis requiring in-person intervention]
Informed consent for telehealth: [OBTAINED AND DOCUMENTED]
Platform used: [HIPAA-COMPLIANT VIDEO PLATFORM — e.g., SimplePractice, Doxy.me, TherapyNotes]
CPT modifier: [GT — for telehealth via interactive audio-video]
Under 200 words. Telehealth authorizations are increasingly common but require explicit justification.
Category 4: Clinical Assessment Documentation
Prompt 14 — Intake Assessment / Biopsychosocial Summary
Write a biopsychosocial assessment summary for an initial evaluation.
Client: [AGE, SEX]
Presenting concern: [WHAT BROUGHT THEM TO THERAPY — in their words if possible]
Psychiatric history: [PRIOR DIAGNOSES, HOSPITALIZATIONS, MEDICATIONS CURRENT AND PAST]
Medical history: [RELEVANT MEDICAL CONDITIONS / MEDICATIONS / SUBSTANCE USE]
Social history: [LIVING SITUATION, RELATIONSHIP STATUS, SUPPORT SYSTEM, EMPLOYMENT, LEGAL HISTORY IF RELEVANT]
Family history: [MENTAL HEALTH / SUBSTANCE USE IN FAMILY OF ORIGIN]
Trauma history: [DISCLOSED ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES / TRAUMA — use clinical language, not graphic detail]
Mental status exam: [BRIEF — appearance, behavior, speech, mood, affect, thought process, cognition, insight, judgment]
Diagnostic impression: [DSM-5/ICD-10 — primary diagnosis and rule-outs]
Clinical formulation: [1-2 PARAGRAPHS — how the presenting problem developed and what maintains it, based on biopsychosocial factors]
Recommendations: [TREATMENT FREQUENCY / LOC / REFERRALS]
Insurance-ready intake format. Under 500 words.
Prompt 15 — Mental Status Examination (MSE) Narrative
Write a Mental Status Examination narrative.
Client: [AGE, SEX, CONTEXT — initial eval / medication management check / crisis assessment]
Appearance: [GROOMING, ATTIRE, PHYSICAL PRESENTATION — only note if clinically relevant]
Attitude/Behavior: [COOPERATIVE / GUARDED / HOSTILE / TEARFUL — rapport quality]
Psychomotor Activity: [NORMAL / AGITATED / RETARDED]
Speech: [RATE, RHYTHM, VOLUME — normal unless noteworthy]
Mood (client's stated): [IN QUOTES — e.g., "anxious," "depressed," "okay"]
Affect (clinician observed): [EUTHYMIC / FLAT / BLUNTED / LABILE / RESTRICTED / ANXIOUS — congruent with mood?]
Thought Process: [LINEAR / CIRCUMSTANTIAL / TANGENTIAL / RACING — organized or disorganized]
Thought Content: [SI — WITH OR WITHOUT PLAN/INTENT / HI — WITH OR WITHOUT TARGET / DELUSIONS / OBSESSIONS — describe]
Perceptual Disturbances: [HALLUCINATIONS — AH/VH — present or absent]
Cognition: [GROSSLY INTACT / IMPAIRMENT NOTED — attention, memory, orientation]
Insight: [GOOD / FAIR / POOR — into illness and treatment need]
Judgment: [GOOD / FAIR / POOR]
Clinical narrative format. Under 200 words.
Prompt 16 — Discharge Summary
Write a therapy discharge summary.
Client: [AGE, SEX, DIAGNOSIS]
Treatment dates: [START DATE] to [DISCHARGE DATE]
Total sessions: [NUMBER]
Presenting problem at intake: [BRIEF]
Treatment provided: [MODALITY, TECHNIQUES, FREQUENCY]
Progress made: [SPECIFIC — PHQ-9 improvement, goal achievement, functional improvements]
Reason for discharge: [GOALS MET / CLIENT INITIATED / TRANSFER OF CARE / LOSS TO FOLLOW-UP]
Symptoms at discharge vs. intake: [COMPARISON — severity, functional impact]
Unresolved concerns: [IF ANY — what remains to be addressed]
Aftercare recommendations: [ONGOING MEDICATION MANAGEMENT / SUPPORT GROUPS / RETURN TO THERAPY CRITERIA / PRIMARY CARE FOLLOW-UP]
Crisis resources at discharge: [988 / LOCAL CRISIS LINE / ER]
Clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL, DATE]
Clinical summary. Under 400 words.
Category 5: Professional Development and Practice Management
Prompt 17 — Clinical Supervision Session Note
Write a clinical supervision session note.
Supervisee: [NAME, CREDENTIAL — intern / associate-level]
Supervisor: [NAME, CREDENTIAL — LPC, LCSW, LMFT, PhD]
Date: [DATE]
Cases discussed: [CASE NUMBERS OR PSEUDONYMS — no real identifiers]
Clinical concerns reviewed: [E.g., diagnostic uncertainty, countertransference, risk management, treatment stagnation]
Learning objectives addressed: [SPECIFIC SKILLS OR CONCEPTS]
Supervisory feedback provided: [BRIEF — what guidance was given]
Supervisee response: [INSIGHT / RESISTANCE / LEARNING DEMONSTRATED]
Plan for next session: [FOCUS AREAS]
Hours: [SUPERVISION HOURS TOWARD LICENSURE — if tracked]
Under 200 words. Both supervisor and supervisee sign this document for licensure records.
Prompt 18 — Case Conceptualization Write-Up
Write a case conceptualization using CBT framework.
Client: [AGE, SEX, PRESENTING PROBLEM]
Relevant history: [EARLY EXPERIENCES, DEVELOPMENTAL FACTORS — what shaped the client's core beliefs]
Core beliefs identified: [E.g., "I am unlovable," "I must be perfect to be accepted," "The world is dangerous"]
Intermediate beliefs: [RULES, ASSUMPTIONS, ATTITUDES — e.g., "If I show vulnerability, people will leave"]
Automatic thoughts: [SITUATION-SPECIFIC — e.g., "My boss is disappointed in me; I'll be fired"]
Maintaining factors: [BEHAVIORAL — avoidance, safety behaviors / COGNITIVE — confirmation bias]
Emotional and behavioral consequences: [HOW BELIEFS PRODUCE PRESENTING SYMPTOMS]
Treatment implications: [WHICH CBT INTERVENTIONS TARGET WHICH LINKS IN THE CHAIN]
Formulation quality is what separates effective treatment from symptom management. Under 400 words.
Prompt 19 — Client Termination Letter
Write a therapy termination letter for a client who has completed treatment.
Client: [FIRST NAME ONLY]
Date of termination: [DATE]
Summary of treatment: [BRIEF — what was worked on, how long]
Gains made: [SPECIFIC — what the client achieved]
Recommendations: [ONGOING SELF-CARE, SUPPORT GROUPS, RETURN TO THERAPY CRITERIA]
What to do if symptoms return: [SPECIFIC — contact therapist / use crisis line 988 / call 911 if in danger]
Invitation to return: [YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME BACK]
Clinician signature: [NAME, CREDENTIAL, PRACTICE NAME, CONTACT]
Warm and clinical. Termination letters are part of the clinical record and may be referenced by future providers. Under 250 words.
Prompt 20 — Clinical Referral Letter
Write a clinical referral letter to another mental health or medical provider.
Referring clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL, PRACTICE]
Receiving provider: [SPECIALTY — psychiatrist / neurologist / trauma specialist / substance use counselor]
Client: [NAME — if releasing with signed authorization]
Reason for referral: [SPECIFIC — e.g., medication evaluation for treatment-resistant depression / trauma processing beyond current clinician's scope / co-occurring substance use requiring integrated treatment]
Current clinical picture: [BRIEF SUMMARY — diagnosis, presenting symptoms, treatment to date]
What you're asking the receiving provider to address: [SPECIFIC QUESTION OR SERVICE]
Coordination plan: [WILL YOU CONTINUE TO SEE CLIENT? HOW WILL PROVIDERS COORDINATE?]
Professional and specific. Under 250 words.
Prompt 21 — Informed Consent Explanation (Telehealth)
Write an informed consent explanation document for telehealth therapy.
Clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL, STATE]
Client: [Name to be inserted]
What telehealth involves: [PLAIN LANGUAGE — video sessions over secure platform]
Privacy and security: [HIPAA-COMPLIANT PLATFORM USED, ENCRYPTION, WHAT HAPPENS TO SESSION DATA]
Limitations of telehealth: [COMPARISON TO IN-PERSON — not appropriate for all clients, connectivity issues, emergency limitations]
Emergency protocol: [WHAT HAPPENS IF CLIENT IS IN CRISIS DURING TELEHEALTH — clinician will call emergency services at client's location]
What client must do to participate: [PRIVATE LOCATION, RELIABLE INTERNET, SECURE DEVICE, NOT IN A MOVING VEHICLE]
Consent acknowledgment: [CLIENT SIGNATURE / E-SIGNATURE AUTHORIZATION]
Under 300 words. This document is required in all 50 states for telehealth practice.
Prompt 22 — Response to Insurance Audit Request
Write a cover letter for a response to an insurance audit requesting clinical records.
Insurer: [CARRIER]
Audit reference number: [NUMBER IF PROVIDED]
Responding clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL, NPI, PRACTICE]
Records being provided: [LIST — treatment plan, progress notes for [DATE RANGE], initial assessment]
Statement of clinical necessity: [BRIEF — why treatment was medically necessary for this client]
Note on confidentiality: [RECORDS RELEASED PER SIGNED CLIENT AUTHORIZATION DATED [DATE], HIPAA COMPLIANT]
Contact for questions: [PHONE, EMAIL]
Professional cover letter. Under 200 words. Maintain a copy of all records released in audit.
Prompt 23 — Ethics Complaint Response Draft
Write a draft response to a state licensing board ethics complaint.
Note: This is a starting point only. Ethics complaints require consultation with a licensed professional liability attorney before responding.
Complaint received: [DATE]
Allegation: [BRIEF DESCRIPTION — e.g., dual relationship / breach of confidentiality / improper termination / boundary violation]
Your account of events: [FACTUAL, CHRONOLOGICAL — what happened, what clinical decisions were made and why]
Clinical reasoning at time of decision: [ETHICS CODES REFERENCED — ACA, NASW, or state-specific]
Documentation to support your position: [WHAT YOUR RECORDS SHOW]
Professional consultation obtained: [SUPERVISION / CONSULTATION WITH COLLEAGUE AT TIME OF DECISION]
Do not submit without attorney review. This is a factual drafting prompt to organize your account. Under 400 words.
Prompt 24 — Newsletter or Psychoeducation Article for Clients
Write a psychoeducation article for a therapist's practice newsletter or client portal.
Topic: [E.g., "What anxiety actually does to your brain" / "Why avoidance makes anxiety worse, not better" / "How sleep affects depression" / "What to do when you feel emotionally flooded in an argument"]
Audience: [CURRENT CLIENTS — some clinical knowledge, plain language preferred]
Key points: [3-4 MAIN TAKEAWAYS]
Evidence basis: [REFERENCE AT LEAST ONE RESEARCH FINDING — Polyvagal theory, CBT research, ACT studies, attachment research]
Practical takeaway: [ONE THING READERS CAN TRY THIS WEEK]
Call to action: [BRING THIS TOPIC TO YOUR NEXT SESSION / CALL US WITH QUESTIONS]
Warm, accessible, evidence-based. No jargon. Under 400 words.
Prompt 25 — Self-Pay Practice Rate Explanation
Write a communication explaining your self-pay rates and the value of private-pay therapy.
Clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL]
Self-pay rate: [$AMOUNT per session]
Sliding scale: [AVAILABLE / NOT AVAILABLE — if available, describe criteria]
Why private pay: [BENEFITS — no insurance limitations on session number, diagnosis not recorded with insurer, more treatment flexibility, not limited to in-network restrictions]
Superbill option: [IF OFFERED — explain out-of-network reimbursement process, how to submit to insurance]
Good Faith Estimate: [REQUIRED UNDER NO SURPRISES ACT — provide or mention you'll provide one before first session]
What you get: [QUALITY OF CARE, CREDENTIAL, SPECIALIZATION — justify the rate]
Honest, confident, not defensive about pricing. Under 300 words.
Prompt 26 — Clinical Consultation Request (Peer Consultation)
Write a clinical case consultation request to a peer or consultant.
Case context: [BRIEF — no identifying details, clinical description only]
Clinical question: [SPECIFIC — what you're stuck on or seeking perspective on]
What you've tried: [INTERVENTIONS USED, APPROACH TAKEN]
What you observe: [CLINICAL PATTERN — what's working, what isn't, why you're consulting]
Specific input requested: [E.g., "differential diagnosis thoughts" / "suggestions for therapeutic impasse" / "risk management perspective" / "trauma approach recommendations"]
Under 200 words. Good consultation is specific — you want input on a particular problem, not a general case review.
Prompt 27 — Practice Introduction Letter to Referral Sources
Write a professional introduction letter to a referral source.
Your name: [NAME, CREDENTIAL]
Specialty: [TREATMENT APPROACH, POPULATIONS SERVED — e.g., "trauma-focused CBT for adults with PTSD, anxiety, and depression"]
Practice model: [TELEHEALTH ONLY / IN PERSON / HYBRID]
Insurance accepted: [LIST OR "private pay with superbill option"]
Current availability: [ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS / WAIT LIST]
Referral recipient: [PSYCHIATRIST / PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN / EAP COORDINATOR / SCHOOL COUNSELOR — adjust accordingly]
What to send when making a referral: [INSURANCE INFORMATION, RELEASE, BRIEF REASON FOR REFERRAL]
Your contact: [PHONE, EMAIL, BOOKING LINK]
Professional, brief, trust-building. Under 200 words.
Prompt 28 — Group Therapy Informed Consent
Write an informed consent document for a therapy group.
Group type: [DBT SKILLS / PROCESS GROUP / TRAUMA / GRIEF / ANXIETY — specify]
Group structure: [OPEN / CLOSED / NUMBER OF MEMBERS / SESSION DURATION / FREQUENCY]
Confidentiality in groups: [EXPLAIN — member confidentiality is expected but cannot be legally guaranteed in a group setting]
Group rules: [ATTENDANCE COMMITMENT, RESPECT GUIDELINES, NO SOCIALIZATION OUTSIDE GROUP]
What clients can expect: [WHAT THE GROUP DOES AND HOW IT HELPS]
What clients must do: [ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, BETWEEN-SESSION SKILLS PRACTICE]
Crisis protocol in group: [WHAT HAPPENS IF A MEMBER IS IN CRISIS DURING A SESSION]
Consent acknowledgment: [CLIENT SIGNATURE LINE]
Under 300 words. Groups have unique confidentiality considerations that require explicit informed consent.
Prompt 29 — Annual Practice Review (Private Practice)
Write a private practice annual review document.
Year: [YEAR]
Total clients seen: [NUMBER]
New clients: [NUMBER]
Presenting issues breakdown: [ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA, RELATIONSHIP, OTHER — approximate %]
Insurance panels: [LIST — and any changes]
Revenue: [OPTIONAL — include or omit]
Professional development: [CEUs COMPLETED, TRAININGS ATTENDED, SUPERVISION HOURS IF APPLICABLE]
Goals achieved this year: [PRACTICE GOALS — e.g., launched group, added specialty, built referral network]
Goals for next year: [3-5 SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL GOALS]
Practice improvements needed: [HONEST ASSESSMENT — billing system, documentation, admin, marketing]
Internal document. Reflective and forward-looking. Under 400 words.
Prompt 30 — Letter of Support for Client's Disability Claim
Write a letter supporting a client's disability or accommodation claim.
Client: [NAME — only with signed release]
Diagnosis: [ICD-10 — primary]
Functional limitations caused by diagnosis: [SPECIFIC — what the client cannot do, in clinical language: e.g., "inability to maintain concentration for periods exceeding 20 minutes, affecting work performance in tasks requiring sustained attention"]
Treatment history: [DATES, FREQUENCY, APPROACH]
Current symptom severity: [PHQ-9 / GAD-7 / CLINICAL DESCRIPTION]
Clinical opinion: [LETTER SUPPORTS THE CLIENT'S CLAIM THAT THEIR PSYCHIATRIC CONDITION CAUSES THE DESCRIBED FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT]
Clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL, NPI, SIGNATURE LINE]
Note: Write only what is clinically supported by your records. Do not inflate or minimize. Under 300 words.
Prompt 31 — DBT Skills Training Handout
Write a DBT skills training handout for a specific skill.
Skill: [DISTRESS TOLERANCE — TIPP / WISE MIND / EMOTION REGULATION — PLEASE / RADICAL ACCEPTANCE / INTERPERSONAL — DEAR MAN — specify one]
What the skill is: [PLAIN LANGUAGE DEFINITION]
Why it's important: [WHICH CLINICAL PROBLEMS IT ADDRESSES]
How to use it: [STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS — numbered]
Practice example: [WALK THROUGH A SPECIFIC SCENARIO]
Between-session practice: [SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENT — when, how many times, track on diary card]
Client-facing handout. Accessible language. Under 300 words.
Prompt 32 — EMDR Phase Documentation Note
Write a session documentation note for an EMDR processing session.
Client: [AGE, SEX, PRESENTING TRAUMA — no graphic detail]
EMDR Phase: [1-2 / 3-4 / 5-8 — specify the phase(s) addressed this session]
Target memory accessed: [BRIEF DESCRIPTION — without graphic detail]
SUD at session start: [0-10]
VOC (Validity of Cognition) at session start: [0-7]
Positive cognition target: [E.g., "I am safe now"]
Processing occurred: [DESCRIBE — sets completed, nature of processing — accessing, abreaction, adaptive resolution]
SUD at session end: [0-10]
Installation if applicable: [VOC AFTER INSTALLATION]
Body scan: [CLEAR / REMAINING SENSATION — describe]
Closure: [CONTAINMENT USED IF SESSION WAS INCOMPLETE — describe technique]
Client's stated experience at close: [BRIEF]
EMDR-specific documentation. Under 300 words. Required for trauma specialty credentialing review.
Prompt 33 — Ethical Decision-Making Process Note
Write an ethics consultation note documenting a clinical ethical decision.
Ethical dilemma identified: [DESCRIBE — e.g., potential duty to warn / suspected child abuse / dual relationship concern / boundary issue in a rural setting]
Ethical principles at stake: [ACA / NASW / state code sections applicable — autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, justice, veracity]
Actions considered: [LIST OPTIONS CONSIDERED]
Consultation obtained: [WHO WAS CONSULTED — supervisor, colleague, ethics hotline, attorney]
Decision made: [WHAT WAS DECIDED AND WHY — clinical and ethical reasoning]
Documentation of action taken: [WHAT WAS DONE AS A RESULT]
Outcome monitoring: [HOW WILL THE OUTCOME BE MONITORED]
Ethics notes are defensive documents. Be specific and show your reasoning. Under 350 words.
Prompt 34 — Continuing Education Course Completion Summary
Write a professional learning summary after completing a continuing education training.
Training name: [TITLE]
Provider: [ORGANIZATION — PESI, NICABM, university, professional association]
Hours: [CE HOURS, FORMAT — online/in-person]
Key clinical concepts learned: [3-4 BULLET POINTS]
How you will apply this to your practice: [SPECIFIC — which clients or presenting problems, what will change]
Resources to follow up on: [BOOKS, STUDIES, TOOLS FROM THE TRAINING]
Professional development log entry. Under 200 words. Documents your CE portfolio for licensure renewal.
Prompt 35 — Practice Website About Page
Write an About page for a mental health counselor's private practice website.
Clinician: [NAME, CREDENTIAL — LPC / LCSW / LMFT / PhD]
Specialties: [ANXIETY / DEPRESSION / TRAUMA / COUPLES / ADOLESCENTS / LGBTQ+ — list 2-3]
Treatment approaches: [CBT / DBT / ACT / EMDR / PSYCHODYNAMIC — list with brief descriptions]
Who you work with: [IDEAL CLIENT DESCRIPTION — demographics, presenting issues, what they have in common]
Your why: [BRIEF PERSONAL STATEMENT — why you do this work, what drives your approach]
Practical details: [TELEHEALTH / IN PERSON, INSURANCE ACCEPTED OR PRIVATE PAY, NEW CLIENT AVAILABILITY]
CTA: [SCHEDULE A FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION / CONTACT ME]
Warm, professional, human. Prospective clients are deciding whether they trust you. Show the person behind the credential. Under 400 words.
Start With These Three
If you're new to using AI for clinical documentation, start here:
- Prompt 1 — DAP progress note. Use it after your next session. Replace the 15-minute note with a 5-minute review.
- Prompt 6 — Treatment plan SMART goals. Your next insurance submission uses measurable language that actually gets approved.
- Prompt 10 — Prior authorization request. Write the next prior auth in 10 minutes instead of 45. Include every criterion the payer needs to say yes.
The rest of the prompts build the complete clinical documentation system. One category at a time.
Get the Complete Mental Health Counselor AI Toolkit
These 35 prompts are the foundation. The complete Mental Health Counselor AI Documentation Toolkit includes 80+ prompts covering every documentation scenario in therapy practice — from EMDR processing notes to group therapy co-facilitator documentation to clinical supervision training frameworks.
👉 Get the Mental Health Counselor AI Documentation Toolkit — Use LAUNCH30 for 30% off — limited uses remaining.
Works with Claude, ChatGPT, and DeepSeek. Copy-paste ready. No AI expertise required.
Top comments (0)