Therapy Discharge Note Template

Last Updated: April 2026

Therapy discharge notes document the conclusion of treatment, summarize progress, and outline recommendations for future care. A structured discharge template ensures consistent and professional documentation at the end of therapy.

Part of our therapy notes templates collection.

Copy-and-Paste Discharge Note Template

Client Information:
Diagnosis:
Dates of Treatment:
Date of Discharge:
Reason for Discharge:

Presenting Problems at Intake:

Treatment Summary:

Interventions Used:

Number of Sessions Attended:

Progress Toward Treatment Goals:

Mental Status at Discharge:

Risk Assessment:

Final Clinical Assessment:

Recommendations:

Referrals:

Follow-Up Plan:

Therapist Signature:

Discharge Note Example

Example Discharge Note

Client: John D.

Date of Discharge: April 1, 2026

Reason for Discharge: Client met treatment goals

Treatment Summary

Client attended 16 individual therapy sessions over 4 months. Treatment focused on anxiety management using CBT-based cognitive restructuring and exposure techniques. Client actively engaged in treatment and completed all homework assignments.


Progress Toward Goals

Goal 1 (Reduce anxiety symptoms): Met. Client reports significant reduction in worry frequency and intensity. Sleep improved from 5 to 7 hours per night. Goal 2 (Improve social functioning): Met. Client successfully attended three work social events without significant distress.


Final Assessment

Client demonstrates strong coping skills and improved functioning. Anxiety symptoms are well-managed with learned strategies. Client is stable and appropriate for discharge from active treatment.


Recommendations

Continue practicing cognitive restructuring techniques independently. Maintain regular sleep hygiene practices. Consider returning to therapy if symptoms increase significantly. Client may benefit from a support group for ongoing maintenance.


Follow-Up Plan

Optional monthly check-in sessions available for 3 months. Client encouraged to contact the office if symptoms return or escalate. Referral provided to local anxiety support group.

What to Include in a Therapy Discharge Note

  • Client progress and treatment outcomes

  • Summary of interventions used during treatment

  • Mental status at time of discharge

  • Risk assessment documentation

  • Remaining concerns or unresolved issues

  • Recommendations for continued care

  • Referrals to other providers if applicable

  • Follow-up plan and contact information

When to Use a Discharge Note

  • Client has met treatment goals

  • Planned end of therapy

  • Client discontinues treatment

  • Referral to another provider

  • Transfer of care

  • Insurance-required treatment conclusion documentation

Who Should Use This Template

  • Therapists in private practice

  • Counselors

  • Psychologists

  • Social workers

  • Behavioral health professionals

Best Practices for Discharge Notes

  • Summarize treatment progress clearly

  • Document the reason for discharge

  • Include specific recommendations for continued care

  • Note any unresolved issues or remaining concerns

  • Provide follow-up contact information

  • Write discharge notes promptly at end of treatment

Common Discharge Note Mistakes

  • No progress summary or treatment review

  • Missing follow-up plan or recommendations

  • No final clinical assessment

  • Failing to document reason for discharge

  • Not addressing unresolved treatment issues

Related Templates

Therapy Notes Templates (All Formats)Therapy Session Notes TemplateTherapy Intake Note TemplateTherapy Progress Note TemplateTreatment Plan TemplateTermination Note Template

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Frequently Asked Questions

A therapy discharge note documents the conclusion of treatment, summarizes the client's progress, provides a final clinical assessment, and outlines recommendations for continued care or follow-up.

Discharge notes should be written when treatment concludes — whether the client has met treatment goals, is discontinuing therapy, or is being referred to another provider.

Discharge notes should include the reason for discharge, a treatment summary, progress toward goals, final clinical assessment, recommendations for continued care, and any follow-up plan.

Most clinical settings require discharge documentation for treatment continuity, compliance, and insurance purposes. Requirements vary by employer, licensing board, and payer.

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Templates are provided for educational purposes. Always follow your organization's documentation requirements.