What EMDR notes need to include
Beyond standard progress note requirements, EMDR-specific documentation should capture:
- Phase worked (1–8).
- Target processed (image, negative cognition, positive cognition).
- SUD at start and end of Phase 4.
- VOC at start and end of Phase 5.
- BLS modality, direction, and set count.
- Body scan outcome.
- Closure intervention if session ended incomplete.
Reviewed by the EMDR Assist Clinical Team, EMDR-trained clinicians.
Educational reference material for EMDR-trained clinicians. It does not replace EMDRIA-approved Basic Training, consultation, supervision, or clinical judgement, and it is not medical advice.
DAP vs SOAP for EMDR
Most EMDR clinicians use DAP (Data · Assessment · Plan) — cleaner for capturing the SUD/VOC arc. SOAP works but forces subjective/objective splitting that doesn't map cleanly onto EMDR phases.
CPT compliance
EMDR sessions typically bill as CPT 90837 (60-min psychotherapy) with an F-code diagnosis. Documentation must show clinical necessity, session start/stop times, and specific therapeutic intervention — an EMDR phase-based note satisfies all three when time is logged.
Auto-generated notes in EMDR Assist
Every guided session in the EMDR session tool autosaves as you work — phase, target, SUD/VOC, BLS parameters, and body-scan outcome fill the note fields automatically. Export as PDF or draft a CPT-compliant DAP with our AI note tool.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in an EMDR progress note?
Phase worked, target memory (image + NC + PC), SUD before and after Phase 4, VOC before and after Phase 5, BLS modality and set count, body scan outcome, and any closure intervention used.
Is DAP or SOAP better for EMDR notes?
Most EMDR clinicians prefer DAP because it captures the SUD/VOC arc cleanly. SOAP works but forces a subjective/objective split that doesn't map onto EMDR phases.
How do I bill an EMDR session?
EMDR sessions typically bill as CPT 90837 (60-minute psychotherapy) with an F-code diagnosis, with documentation showing clinical necessity, session times, and specific EMDR intervention.
Is there an EMDR progress note template?
Yes — EMDR Assist provides DAP and SOAP templates with phase, target, SUD, VOC, and BLS fields, plus auto-fill from live guided sessions.
Related tools for EMDR therapists
Try EMDR Assist with your next session
14-day free trial. No credit card. Built by clinicians, for clinicians.