What Are ABA Session Notes and Why Do They Matter?
ABA session notes are written summaries of what occurred during an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy session. These notes document the goals targeted, interventions applied, client responses, barriers to treatment, and plans for next steps.
They serve multiple purposes:
- Clinical: Track client progress over time.
- Legal & Ethical: Maintain accurate medical records.
- Billing & Insurance: Provide proof of service for reimbursement and justification of medical necessity.
Who Writes Them?
- RBTs: Usually write daily session notes.
- BCBAs: Review and approve notes, sometimes write for supervision sessions.
This blog includes examples of good session notes and explains the key components needed to meet compliance standards.
ABA Session Note Examples
Why Objective Notes Matter
Vague: “Client did great today!”
Objective: “Client completed 14/15 trials of ‘imitate gross motor actions’ independently.”
Here are three realistic examples for different ABA contexts:
Example 1: DTT (Discrete Trial Training) Session Note
Date: 07/17/2025
Therapist: J. Smith, RBT
Client: A.J., Age 5
Session Duration: 2 hours
Goal Targeted: Imitate two-step gross motor actions
Objective: DTT implemented to teach imitation. Materials: picture cards, toys. Client attempted 20 trials.
Intervention: Gestural and verbal prompts provided as needed.
Response: 16/20 correct (80%) with minimal prompts.
Reinforcement: Edible reinforcement delivered after correct responses.
Plan: Continue same goal, reduce prompts to independent responding.
Example 2: NET (Natural Environment Teaching) Session Note
Date: 07/17/2025
Therapist: S. Lee, RBT
Client: K.M., Age 6
Session Duration: 1.5 hours
Goal Targeted: Manding for preferred items using 3-word phrases
Objective: Embedded mand trials during play with blocks and cars.
Intervention: Echoic prompts faded to gestural over the course of the session.
Response: 10/12 opportunities (83%) successful.
Reinforcement: Access to preferred toy after specific pre-determined mand.
Plan: Increase distance between therapist and items to promote independence.
Example 3: Behavior Reduction Session Note
Date: 07/17/2025
Therapist: L. Brown, RBT
Client: T.J., Age 7
Session Duration: 2 hours
Goal Targeted: Reduce aggression during transitions
Objective: Used visual schedule and transition countdown.
Intervention: Implemented non-contingent reinforcement and differential attention for maladaptive behaviors.
Response: Aggression occurred 1 time during 4 transitions (75% reduction).
Reinforcement: Praise and access to preferred music.
Plan: Continue with visual aides and gradual increase in transitions to promote practice transitioning.
What Are the Main Components of ABA Session Notes?
Strong notes typically include:
- Client & Session Info: Name/initials, date, time, duration
- Goals Addressed: Clearly stated treatment goals that are objective
- Interventions Used: DTT, NET, prompting strategies, etc.
- Client Response: Measurable data (for example, 80% correct)
- Reinforcement Provided: Type and schedule
- Plan for Next Session: Continue, modify, or fade procedures and programming
- Signatures: RBTs, BCBAs, and some session notes require parents’ signatures (when required).
Quick Checklist:
☐ Session details
☐ Objective language
☐ Percentages/data
☐ Plan for next steps
What Are the Requirements for ABA Session Note-Taking?
- Timeliness: Complete notes within 24–72 hours
- Compliance: Align with payer requirements and HIPAA standards
- Retention: BACB requires documents for 7 years
- Signatures: Therapist and supervising BCBA if required
- CPT Codes: Match the service delivered and make sure it represents the correct amount of time services were administered
How to Write Effective ABA Session Notes
Before the Session
- Look over the goals and any past notes
- Get everything ready to conduct programs and collect data
During the Session
- Write short, clear notes as things happen
- Record objective data on behaviors/targets for skill acquisition and behavior reduction
- Don’t use opinions (ABA Session Notes Examples & Templates for RBTs & BCBAs)
Do/Don’t Table:
SOAP Note Template for ABA
SOAP = Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
This structure helps you organize clinical notes clearly and is widely accepted by insurance and medical providers.
Template:
S (Subjective):
Notes on client’s condition or caregiver reports. Example: “Caregiver reported client had trouble sleeping last night.”
___________________________________________________________
O (Objective):
Factual, measurable observations from the session. Example: “Client completed 10/12 manding trials with minimal prompts. Aggression occurred once during cleanup.”
___________________________________________________________
A (Assessment):
Professional interpretation of progress or challenges. Example: “Progress consistent with previous session; sleep may impact attention.”
___________________________________________________________
P (Plan):
Next steps for treatment or modifications. Example: “Continue manding goal; adjust reinforcement schedule if fatigue persists.”
___________________________________________________________
Conclusion
High-quality notes are important for keeping track of progress, following rules, and getting paid. With the examples and easy-to-use SOAP template here, you can make writing your notes faster and still get them right.
Utilize the SOAP note template, or check out tools like Theralytics that make ABA documentation easier. That way, you’ll have more time to focus on what really matters, helping your clients!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. While we aim to offer helpful guidance on writing ABA session notes, this content does not constitute legal, billing, or clinical compliance advice. Each payer may have specific documentation requirements, and it is your responsibility to verify those requirements with the appropriate funding source or governing body. We do not guarantee audit outcomes, and we are not liable for any issues that may arise from the use of this information.
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