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Free discharge summary template

A clean, printable discharge summary template for closing out a course of treatment, with prompts for each section. Free, no signup. Print it, or keep records in Soap Notes.

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Discharge Summary

Client: ______________________

Start date: ______________________

Discharge date: ______________________

Clinician: ______________________

1

Reason for discharge

Why treatment is ending, for example goals met, client choice, referral, or non-attendance.

2

Summary of treatment

A brief overview of the presenting problem, the work done, and the approach used.

3

Progress toward goals

How the client progressed against the goals set in the treatment plan.

4

Status at discharge

The client's presentation and functioning at the point of discharge, including any risk.

5

Recommendations and aftercare

Any follow-up, referrals, relapse-prevention plan, or guidance for the client going forward.

A filled-in example

Reason for discharge

Treatment goals met; client and clinician agreed to conclude regular sessions.

Summary of treatment

Client presented with situational anxiety. Weekly CBT over 14 sessions focused on coping skills and cognitive reframing.

Progress toward goals

Panic episodes reduced from several per week to rare; client reports confident use of coping tools.

Status at discharge

Stable and functioning well. No current safety concerns.

Recommendations and aftercare

Maintain coping routine; return if symptoms recur. Provided list of community resources.

Want the full breakdown? Free treatment plan template

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Frequently asked questions

A discharge summary, sometimes called a termination summary, is the note that closes out a course of treatment. It records why treatment ended, a summary of the work, progress toward goals, the client's status at discharge, and any recommendations or aftercare.

Yes. Print or save it for free with no signup. You can also keep discharge summaries alongside your session notes in Soap Notes.

Write one when a client's treatment ends, whether goals were met, the client chose to stop, they were referred elsewhere, or they stopped attending. It provides a clear record of the episode of care.

The reason for discharge, a summary of the treatment provided, progress toward goals, the client's status at discharge including any risk, and recommendations or aftercare. Keep it clear and concise.

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