What does DAP stand for in progress notes?

• A. Data, Assessment, Plan
• B. Data, Analysis, Plan
• C. Documentation, Assessment, Program
• D. Data, Appraisal, Progress

Answer: (A)

Data, Assessment, Plan is the standard way to structure progress notes. Data covers the factual material from the session—what the client said, observed behaviors, materials used, and any relevant results. Assessment is where you interpret that information—summarizing progress toward goals, identifying barriers, and forming clinical impressions. Plan outlines the next steps: chosen interventions, homework or assignments, referrals if needed, and how progress will be tracked.

This middle section is typically labeled Assessment in most ATR-BC practice contexts, focusing on interpretation rather than merely listing data. While some settings may use terms like Analysis, the conventional format in progress notes for art therapy and counseling uses Assessment and Plan, making Data, Assessment, Plan the correct convention.