Initial Psychiatric Interview/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 t o 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 include in utero if available) 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

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing a Psychiatric SOAP Note Successfully

Step 1: Begin With Informed Consent

Always start by documenting informed consent:

Confirm verbal and written consent
Assess patient capacity and understanding
Note that risks, benefits, and alternatives were explained

💡 Tutor tip: This establishes ethical and legal compliance—never omit this section.

Step 2: Complete the Subjective Section Thoroughly

The Subjective section reflects what the patient tells you.

Include:

Patient identifiers (name, DOB, demographics)
Chief complaint (CC) in the patient’s own words
History of Present Illness (HPI) with mood, duration, and severity
Psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, psychosis, mania)
SI/HI/AV assessment
Past medical and psychiatric history
Substance use, trauma history, and social history

✔ Document denials clearly (e.g., “Patient denies hallucinations”).

Step 3: Review of Systems (ROS)

List systems methodically:

If all systems are negative, state “ROS noncontributory”
Otherwise, specify exceptions

💡 Keep ROS concise—this is a screening tool, not a full medical exam.

Step 4: Complete the Objective Section

This section includes observable and measurable data:

Vital signs
Lab results and toxicology screens
Physical exam (if performed)
Mental Status Exam (MSE)

✔ Use professional, neutral language—avoid assumptions or interpretations.

Step 5: Conduct and Document the Mental Status Exam

Ensure you include:

Appearance and behavior
Speech, mood, and affect
Thought process and content
Cognition, insight, and judgment
Risk assessment

💡 This section supports your diagnostic reasoning.

Step 6: Write the Assessment Section

In this section:

Identify DSM-5 diagnoses
Include ICD-10 codes
List differential diagnoses
Document patient insight and treatment understanding

✔ Always connect diagnoses to findings from the Subjective and Objective sections.

Step 7: Develop a Clear, Patient-Centered Plan

Your Plan should include:

Level of care (inpatient vs outpatient)
Safety plan and risk level
Pharmacologic interventions (dose, route, frequency)
Non-pharmacologic interventions (e.g., CBT)
Education and health promotion
Referrals and follow-up timeline

💡 Document shared decision-making whenever possible.

Step 8: Final Documentation and Billing

Conclude with:

Time spent in counseling/psychotherapy
Total visit duration
Billing codes
Provider signature, credentials, date, and time

✔ Accurate documentation supports continuity of care and reimbursement.

Helpful Academic Resources

Use these resources to strengthen SOAP note accuracy and confidence:

American Psychiatric Association – DSM-5-TR Overview:
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
Stanford Medicine – Mental Status Examination Guide:
https://stanfordmedicine25.stanford.edu
Psychiatric SOAP Note Examples (Nursing):
https://www.registerednursing.org

Psychiatric SOAP Note Template Explained for Nursing Students