How to write behavioral session notes/RBT

How to write behavioral session notes/RBTs

E-01 Report other variables that might affect the client (e.g., illness, relocation, medication)

E-02 Generate objective session notes by describing what occurred during sessions.

Client's permanent record

When RBTs complete session notes, they should remember that the note will be included in that client's permanent

The note should be accurate and professionally written.

Session Notes

• Session notes should include a brief summary of the session as well as any changes that were made to the treatment plan.

• It is important to use professional, objective language when writing session notes.

• Focus on objective statements, and try to frame them positively

Multiple Choice

Session Notes should include a brief summary of the session and any changes to the treatment plan

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

When documenting a session, avoid documenting:

• objective language

• subjective language

• environmental variable affecting behavior

• new behaviors

The Process

Notes must be legible.

Avoid using subjective terms (e.g., in a great mood, bad mood, not feeling it).

 Indicate the task completed during the session.

Indicate the reward earned/earning during the session. 

The Process

Indicate the level of prompting

Indicate next steps: Will you continue teaching the same skill? New skills?

Indicate if there are other concerns (e.g., the child said he was sleepy, did not eat today, possible sickness).

Indicate severe behaviors that occurred and communicate with supervisors immediately. 

A session note for a six-hour session would require greater content than a two-hour session  

Setting events

• Illness

• Lack of sleep

• Biological needs/ like hunger

• Changes in the clients home environment

Multiple Choice

Session notes should include:

• Prompting level used

• reinforcers delivered

• ABC observations

• all of the above

Open Ended

Describe the highlight of your day (No more than 3 sentences)

Session notes

• ABC Observations

• certain setting events occurring that could influence problem behavior

• New problem behaviors

• ew medication or changes in medication

• a crisis

• Consistent mistakes, occurring, in the same way, each time.

Multiple Choice

Summaries of tasks implemented must always come directly from the behavior treatment

• False

• True

Open Ended

What did you learn from the above video?

Open Ended

What is the most challenging aspect of writing session notes?

Open Ended

What steps will you take to improve your notetaking skills?

Open Ended

Do you have any tips that help you when writing your session notes?