GIRP Notes

What Are GIRP Notes?

GIRP notes tie every session directly to treatment goals:

• Goals: The specific treatment goals addressed in this session
• Intervention: Techniques and strategies used to work toward those goals
• Response: The client’s response to interventions and progress toward goals
• Plan: Next steps and adjustments to the treatment plan

When to Use GIRP Notes

GIRP notes are ideal when:

• Your practice is heavily goal-oriented
• Insurance requires documentation of goal progress
• You want a clear thread from treatment plan to session documentation

GIRP vs BIRP Notes

The key difference is the first section: GIRP starts with Goals (linking to the treatment plan), while BIRP starts with Behaviour (describing the client’s presentation). GIRP is better for showing measurable progress; BIRP is better for capturing session dynamics.

How to Write a GIRP Note

Goals

Reference specific goals from the treatment plan. State which goals were the focus of this session.

Intervention

Document what you did to address those goals. Be specific about techniques and approaches.

Response

Describe the client’s engagement, progress, and any barriers encountered.

Plan

Outline how you will continue working toward the goals, any modifications needed, and next session priorities.