The BIRP note is a structured format used by therapists and other mental health professionals to document clinical sessions. It helps ensure that each note is clear, consistent, and clinically useful.
Here’s what BIRP stands for:
Behaviour
What did the client say or do during the session?
This includes quotes, actions, mood, affect, or anything observable.
Example: “Client reported feeling anxious before work and avoided making eye contact throughout the session.”
Intervention
What did you (the therapist) do?
Note the techniques, reflections, questions, or therapeutic approaches used.
Example: “Explored the source of anxiety using CBT techniques and practiced grounding exercises.”
Response
How did the client respond to your intervention?
Include changes in emotion, engagement, insight, or behaviour.
Example: “Client engaged with the breathing exercise and reported feeling more calm by the end.”
Plan
What’s next?
Note any goals, homework, or focus areas for upcoming sessions.
Example: “Client will try using breathing exercises before work and journal anxious thoughts for next session.”
Why use BIRP?
• It keeps documentation structured and focused
• Makes supervision, reporting, and audits easier
• Helps track therapeutic progress clearly over time
• Often required by some insurance providers or clinical settings