# What are therapy progress notes, and how are they different from psychotherapy notes?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-are-therapy-progress-notes
For: Clinicians | Mental health practice | Last reviewed 23 July 2026

**Answer:** Therapy progress notes are entries in the clinical record that summarise each contact: the session focus, relevant observations, interventions, the patient's response, safety actions, the agreed plan and follow-up. Psychotherapy notes, where the law recognises them, are separate notes a therapist keeps about therapy conversations and may carry extra protection. The distinction is jurisdiction-specific, so clinics should define note types, access and retention with legal and privacy review rather than copying another country's rules.

### In more detail

Progress notes support continuity and accountability. They should be accurate, respectful and limited to what the care record needs, not a place for every private thought or raw quote.

- Progress notes usually form part of the clinical record; access and patient-access rights depend on local law and clinic policy.
- "Psychotherapy notes" is a legal term in some systems, such as US HIPAA. Do not import that distinction without local review.
- Billing, front-desk and leadership roles should not need therapy-note detail. Give them session status and payment context instead.
- Your system should support configurable note types, role-based access, audit trails, export controls and reporting exclusions.

Read the full guide: [SOAP Notes for Therapy: A Practical Guide for Mental Health Clinics](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/blog/soap-notes-for-therapy-a-practical-guide-for-mental-health-clinics)

> **Important:** Documentation, patient access, retention and disclosure rules differ by country. In Kenya, therapy records are sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act 2019.

> **Important:** If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, contact emergency services now. In Kenya, call 999, 112 or 911. Outside Kenya, use the emergency number for your location.

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