What are psychotherapy notes?

Psychotherapy notes refer specifically to the notes that a mental health professional makes during or after a therapy session, which contain their personal reflections, analyses, and insights regarding the conversations and interactions with the patient. These notes are distinct from other types of medical records because they are primarily intended for the therapist's use and are not generally shared with other healthcare providers or included in the patient's medical records.

The focus on analyzing conversations during therapy sessions allows therapists to track emotional changes, therapeutic progress, and any significant themes or issues that arise during treatment. This enables the therapist to provide more effective care and to tailor the treatment to the patient's unique needs. The confidentiality and protected status of psychotherapy notes are also governed by specific regulations, emphasizing their sensitive nature and the importance of privacy in the therapeutic relationship.

Other options describe different aspects of medical record management, such as sharing medical records with family members, general exam notes, or treatment plans, which do not encapsulate the defined function and purpose of psychotherapy notes.