ChatGPT Prompts for Mental Health Counselors: Session Prep, Notes, Resources

Published: July 2026 | 8 min read

Mental health counselors carry an enormous emotional and administrative load. Between client sessions, they write progress notes, update treatment plans, research therapeutic modalities, prepare psychoeducation materials, and manage crisis risk — often with limited time between sessions.

AI can reduce the administrative burden of counseling practice, but only with prompts that respect therapeutic boundaries, maintain client confidentiality, and understand clinical language. These prompts are adapted from Skillent's Healthcare AI Prompt Library.

Session Preparation & Treatment Planning

1. Session Preparation Summary

Role: Mental health counselor preparing for client session
Task: Create a session preparation summary based on the following client context
Client: [de-identified ID, age, presenting concerns]
Previous session summary: [paste key points]
Current treatment goals: [list]
Prepare:
1. Theme/focus for this session (based on prior session)
2. Treatment plan goals to address
3. Potential therapeutic interventions (CBT/DBT/psychodynamic/etc.)
4. Risk factors to assess (suicidal ideation, self-harm, substance use)
5. Homework review from last session
6. Anticipated challenges or resistance points
Format: 1-page prep sheet, concise
Do NOT: Diagnose or make clinical decisions — this is a preparation aid only

2. Treatment Plan Draft

Role: Licensed mental health counselor
Task: Draft a treatment plan for [client description] with [presenting concern]
Include:
1. Presenting problem (clinical formulation)
2. Diagnoses (DSM-5-TR, if applicable — defer to diagnosing clinician)
3. Long-term goals (2-3, broad outcomes)
4. Short-term objectives (measurable, time-limited, 3-5 per goal)
5. Therapeutic interventions (specific modalities, frequency)
6. Progress measurement (how to track objective completion)
7. Estimated duration of treatment
8. Discharge/maintenance criteria
Format: Standard treatment plan template
Note: Must be reviewed and signed by licensed clinician

3. Treatment Plan Review

Role: Clinical supervisor reviewing treatment plan
Task: Review this treatment plan for [client] and provide feedback
Input: [paste current treatment plan]
Evaluate:
1. Are goals specific and measurable?
2. Are objectives achievable in the stated timeframe?
3. Do interventions match the theoretical approach?
4. Are cultural factors considered?
5. Are risk management elements addressed?
6. Is progress measurable?
7. Any missing elements per [organization/payer] requirements?
Format: Review with specific recommendations for each section

Progress Notes & Documentation

4. SOAP Progress Note Generator

Role: Mental health counselor documenting session
Task: Convert the following session notes into a SOAP progress note
Input: [paste rough session notes: topics discussed, interventions used, client response, homework assigned]
S: Subjective (client self-report, mood, statements, concerns)
O: Objective (appearance, behavior, affect, cognition, risk assessment)
A: Assessment (progress toward goals, clinical observations, formulation updates)
P: Plan (interventions for next session, homework, frequency, referrals)
Requirements:
- Risk assessment documented (ideation, plan, intent, means, protective factors)
- CPT code and ICD-10 code suggestions
- Session length (time in/time out)
Format: Standard SOAP note, concise
Do NOT: Include identifying information or verbatim quotes that could compromise confidentiality

5. DAP Note Generator

Role: Counselor writing DAP note
Task: Convert session notes into DAP format
Input: [paste rough session notes]
D: Data (what happened — facts, observations, client statements summarized)
A: Assessment (clinical interpretation, progress, risk assessment)
P: Plan (next steps, homework, referrals, next session focus)
Format: DAP note, 1 paragraph per section
Length: Concise but thorough
Note: Ensure risk assessment is documented if applicable

6. Insurance Authorization Letter

Role: Mental health counselor requesting additional sessions
Task: Draft a letter to [insurance company] requesting authorization for additional sessions
Client: [de-identified]
Diagnosis: [DSM-5-TR code]
Sessions used: [number] of [authorized number]
Sessions requested: [number]
Include:
1. Clinical justification for continued treatment
2. Progress to date (specific improvements)
3. Remaining symptoms and functional impairments
4. Risk factors if treatment is discontinued
5. Treatment plan for requested sessions
6. Projected timeline to discharge or step-down
Format: Professional letter, 1 page
Tone: Clinical, objective, focused on medical necessity

Psychoeducation & Client Resources

7. Psychoeducation Handout

Role: Mental health counselor
Task: Create a psychoeducation handout on [topic: anxiety/depression/trauma/grief/sleep hygiene]
Include:
1. What it is (simple explanation, no jargon)
2. Common signs and symptoms
3. What happens in the brain/body (brief, accessible)
4. Evidence-based strategies (3-5 practical techniques)
5. When to seek professional help
6. Self-help resources (books, apps, hotlines)
Tone: Warm, validating, non-pathologizing
Reading level: 8th grade
Format: 1-2 page handout, bullet points
Do NOT: Provide medical advice or diagnosis language

8. Grounding Techniques Handout

Role: Counselor specializing in trauma-informed care
Task: Create a grounding techniques handout for clients experiencing [anxiety/flashbacks/dissociation]
Techniques (5-8):
For each:
1. Name of technique
2. Step-by-step instructions
3. When to use it
4. What to expect
5. Common challenge and how to address it
Categories: Physical, Cognitive, Soothing, Mindfulness
Format: Patient handout with clear instructions
Include: Safety note — grounding is a coping skill, not a treatment
Reading level: 6th grade

9. CBT Thought Record Template

Role: CBT-trained therapist
Task: Create a thought record worksheet for [presenting concern]
Columns:
1. Situation (what triggered the thought)
2. Automatic thought (what went through your mind)
3. Emotions (rate intensity 0-100%)
4. Body sensations
5. Behaviors (what did you do)
6. Evidence for the thought
7. Evidence against the thought
8. Balanced/alternative thought
9. Re-rate emotions (0-100%)
10. Action plan
Format: Worksheet with instructions and example row
Include: Brief explanation of how to use it
Reading level: 8th grade

Risk Assessment & Crisis Management

10. Suicide Risk Assessment Summary

Role: Mental health counselor conducting risk assessment
Task: Structure a suicide risk assessment summary for [client description]
Assess:
1. Suicidal ideation (frequency, intensity, duration — passive vs active)
2. Plan (specificity, lethality, access to means)
3. Intent (stated intention to act)
4. Protective factors (social support, reasons for living, treatment engagement, responsibility)
5. Risk factors (prior attempts, family history, substance use, access to means, recent loss)
6. Warning signs (changes in behavior, mood, statements)
7. Level of risk (Low/Moderate/High) with rationale
8. Safety plan components
9. Disposition (outpatient with safety plan / higher level of care / hospitalization)
Format: Clinical risk assessment
Note: This is a documentation aid — clinical judgment is required

11. Safety Plan Template

Role: Counselor creating collaborative safety plan
Task: Create a safety plan for [client description]
Components (Stanley-Brown framework):
1. Warning signs (thoughts, images, mood, situations, behaviors)
2. Internal coping strategies (things client can do alone)
3. Social contacts and settings that provide distraction
4. Family/friends who can help
5. Professionals and agencies to contact (therapist, crisis line, ER)
6. Means restriction plan (firearms, medications, other access)
7. Personal reasons for living
Format: Collaborative safety plan document
Tone: Empowering, collaborative, non-coercive
Include: Crisis hotline numbers (988, local crisis line)

12. Crisis De-escalation Script

Role: Crisis counselor
Task: Create a de-escalation conversation guide for a client in [type of crisis]
Structure:
1. Opening (validate, connect, establish safety)
2. Assessment questions (risk level, immediate needs)
3. De-escalation techniques (grounding, validation, breathing)
4. Problem-solving (if not in acute danger)
5. Safety planning (if risk present)
6. Disposition decision (outpatient, higher level of care, ER)
7. Follow-up plan
Do NOT: Argue, minimize, or use judgmental language
Format: Script with counselor lines and expected client responses
Duration: 10-20 minutes

Best Practices

1. Never enter identifiable client information — Use de-identified client IDs only. AI tools are not HIPAA-compliant by default.

2. Maintain clinical boundaries — AI assists with documentation and education; it does not replace therapeutic alliance, clinical judgment, or supervision.

3. Use specific therapeutic modalities — "CBT thought record" or "DBT distress tolerance skills" produces more relevant output than "help with anxiety."

4. Always document risk assessments — If risk is present, AI can help structure the documentation, but the assessment itself must be the clinician's judgment.

5. Review all clinical content — AI may suggest outdated diagnostic criteria or inappropriate interventions. A licensed counselor must review all output. See our nursing prompts for additional patient care tools.