How to Write a Clinical Summary for Mental Health (Examples & Templates)

Under HIPAA, clients have the right to review and request amendments to their health records, including clinical summaries. When a patient asks to see or change a summary, first verify their identity and provide access within the required timeframe, typically 30 days. Review the request carefully: if the amendment is factually correct and clinically appropriate, update the record and note the change. If you determine the request is not warranted (e.g., it would remove clinically relevant information or alter the professional opinion), you may deny it, but must explain the reason in writing and inform the patient of their right to submit a statement of disagreement. In open notes environments, it’s helpful to write in clear, respectful, jargon-free language from the start and to discuss your rationale with the patient to prevent misunderstandings. Always follow your organization’s policies and state regulations when handling such requests.

The most frequently overlooked sections tend to be those that require synthesis rather than simple data entry. Common omissions include the progress summary (how the client has responded to treatment over time), the risk assessment (current safety concerns, risk factors, and protective factors), and the recommendations/next steps section. Clinicians sometimes also neglect to update medication lists or note interdisciplinary communications, which can lead to outdated or fragmented records. Leaving these areas incomplete reduces the value of the summary for care coordination, billing, and compliance, and can create gaps that complicate medical necessity documentation or continuity of care.

When documenting risk factors such as suicidality in a clinical summary, be concise, factual, and specific. Include relevant observations, client statements, and assessment tool scores rather than vague impressions. Note the date and context of the risk assessment, outline protective factors (e.g., supportive relationships, coping skills), and describe any interventions or safety planning initiated. Avoid speculative language, stick to observable behaviors and reported experiences. If the risk is ongoing, indicate the current level of concern and your monitoring plan. Documentation should balance transparency with clinical sensitivity, ensuring the summary supports care coordination while meeting legal, ethical, and regulatory standards.

In a clinical summary, medication adherence and side effect monitoring should be documented clearly and objectively. List each current medication with name, dosage, prescribing provider, and start date if known. Indicate the client’s self-reported adherence (e.g., consistent, occasional missed doses, discontinued) and note any observed or reported side effects, including onset, severity, and impact on functioning. If side effects led to changes in dosage or medication, briefly outline the adjustment and rationale. Include any monitoring measures in place — such as lab work, vitals checks, or scheduled follow-ups — to show active management. This approach provides a concise but comprehensive record that supports both continuity of care and medical necessity documentation.

For patients with complex or co-occurring disorders, clinical summaries should provide a more integrated and layered view of the client’s history and current status. This includes clearly listing all relevant diagnoses (both mental health and substance use or medical), noting how symptoms interact, and summarizing how each condition has been addressed in treatment. The summary should highlight multimodal interventions — such as combined psychotherapy, medication management, and case management — and indicate which providers are responsible for each aspect of care. Progress and risk assessments should address each condition individually and collectively, especially where they influence safety, functioning, or treatment engagement. Using a structured, problem-oriented format can help organize complex information so that future providers can quickly understand the client’s full clinical picture and coordinate effectively across disciplines.