What is the primary goal of progress notes in therapy?

The primary goal of progress notes in therapy is to record clinically relevant client and therapist behaviors. This documentation is essential for tracking the client's progress, identifying changes in their condition, and developing strategies for future sessions. Progress notes provide a structured means to assess how well the therapeutic interventions are working, enabling therapists to adjust their approaches as needed. By focusing on the behaviors exhibited during sessions, these notes help ensure that the treatment remains aligned with the client's goals and needs, facilitating effective and ethical therapeutic practice.

While other options may capture important aspects of therapy, such as client feedback or historical context, they do not encapsulate the core purpose of progress notes, which centers on the clinical data that informs ongoing therapy.