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CBT session note template
Built for CBT visits where agenda-setting, cognitive work, behavioral experiments, and between-session practice need a clear clinical trail—not a generic therapy narrative.
Template content
Copy or download, then paste into Wavo under My Templates.
CBT Session Note Session Information - Date, modality (in-person/telehealth), duration, and session number if tracked. - Presenting focus / problem targeted this session. Agenda - Collaborative agenda items and any crisis/urgent items prioritized. Homework Review - Assigned tasks from prior session, adherence, outcomes, and barriers. - Symptom measures reviewed (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) if obtained—do not invent scores. Mood / Symptom Check - Client-reported mood, anxiety, sleep, functioning, and notable events since last visit. Cognitive Work - Situation(s) examined; automatic thoughts; emotions and intensity. - Evidence for/against; cognitive distortions identified; alternative/balanced thoughts. - Behavioral experiments or restructuring outcomes in session. Behavioral Interventions - Exposure steps, activity scheduling, problem-solving, or skills practiced. - SUDS or other ratings if used. Risk - SI/HI/self-harm assessment if indicated; risk level and rationale. Assessment / Progress Toward Goals - Response to CBT interventions and status relative to treatment goals. Plan / Homework - Specific, measurable between-session tasks; next-session agenda; coordination/referrals; follow-up timing.
When to use this template
What makes the structure useful, and which visits it fits best.
Why this template works
Structural advantages for real documentation
Best for
Visit types and clinicians who use this format
- Mirrors how CBT sessions actually run: agenda, review, skill work, homework.
- Keeps automatic thoughts, evidence work, and alternative thoughts explicit.
- Captures behavioral experiments and exposure steps with measurable targets.
- Homework adherence becomes visible across sessions for continuity.
- 1Individual CBT for anxiety and depression
- 2Exposure-based and skills-focused CBT
- 3Psychologists and therapists delivering structured CBT
Example output shape
Illustrative excerpt of how a visit can land in this structure. Not a real patient record—review and edit every note before signing.
Agenda Review presentation worry thought record; plan one behavioral experiment for team meeting. Homework Review Completed 4/7 thought records. GAD-7 today 11 (was 14). Noted “catastrophizing” as top distortion. Cognitive Work Situation: upcoming demo. AT: “I’ll freeze and get fired.” Emotion: anxiety 8/10. Evidence against: prior demos completed; feedback was positive. Balanced thought: “I may feel anxious and still deliver; one stumble isn’t termination.” Anxiety fell to 5/10 in session. Behavioral Interventions Designed experiment: speak for 60 seconds in standup using written opener; rate SUDS before/after. Risk Denies SI/HI. Risk low. Plan / Homework Complete standup experiment once; finish two thought records. Next session: review experiment and introduce worry postponement.
How Wavo automates this
What the product actually does with your template.
2. Record or dictate
Capture the encounter with ambient recording or dictation. Wavo structures the note using your template.
3. Review and sign
Edit with Smart Transform if needed, then export or copy into your EHR. You stay responsible for the final note.
Related templates
Put this template to work on your next visit
Start free, paste the template, and see how Wavo documents in your structure.