Therapy Intake Template

Last Updated: April 2026

Therapy intake templates help clinicians document initial client information, presenting concerns, history, and treatment planning during the first session.

Part of our therapy notes templates collection.

Copy-and-Paste Template

Client Name:
Date:
Referral Source:

Presenting Concerns:

Mental Health History:

Medical History:

Current Symptoms:

Family/Social History:

Substance Use History:

Client Goals:

Risk Assessment:

Initial Assessment:

Treatment Plan:

Example

Presenting Concerns

Client seeking therapy for anxiety that has worsened over the past three months. Reports difficulty sleeping and persistent worry.


History

No prior therapy. Reports mild anxiety since college. No hospitalizations.


Goals

Reduce anxiety symptoms. Improve sleep quality. Develop coping strategies.


Assessment

Symptoms consistent with generalized anxiety disorder. Client motivated for treatment.


Plan

Weekly CBT sessions. Begin with psychoeducation and cognitive restructuring. Review at 6 weeks.

When to Use

  • First therapy session

  • Initial consultation

  • New client intake

  • Transfer of care

  • Returning clients after gap

Who Should Use This Template

  • Therapists

  • Counselors

  • Psychologists

  • Social workers

  • Intake coordinators

Why Use This Template

  • Standardize initial client documentation

  • Ensure comprehensive history collection

  • Reduce intake documentation time

  • Improve treatment planning

  • Maintain consistent intake records

What to Gather During Intake

  • Presenting problem and reason for seeking therapy

  • Mental health and medical history

  • Risk assessment and safety screening

  • Client goals for therapy

  • Informed consent documentation

  • Family and social context

Best Practices

  • Document presenting concerns thoroughly

  • Complete risk assessment

  • Capture client goals in their words

  • Include relevant history

  • Write intake notes promptly

Common Mistakes

  • Incomplete history

  • Missing risk assessment

  • No treatment goals

  • Vague presenting concerns

  • Delayed documentation

Related Templates

Therapy Notes TemplatesTherapy Progress Note TemplateTherapy Session Notes TemplateSOAP Notes TemplateDAP Notes TemplateBIRP Notes Template

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Frequently Asked Questions

A therapy intake template structures the initial assessment documentation, capturing client history, presenting concerns, goals, and an initial treatment plan.

Intake notes should include presenting concerns, mental health and medical history, current symptoms, client goals, risk assessment, and a preliminary treatment plan.

Intake notes should be completed during or immediately after the initial session to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.

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