We know every therapist has their own way of writing notes. Some use short, clinical phrases. Others prefer warm, descriptive language. Supanote’s built-in templates (SOAP, DAP, BIRP, EMDR, Intake, etc.) are a great starting point - but you can also customize them to fit your exact clinical voice and workflow.
This guide walks you through both quick tweaks and building fully custom templates inside Supanote.
1. Customize Using Supa AI
If you just want to change how a note reads (tone, format, level of detail), you don’t need to create a new template. You can use Tell Supa AI to adapt any draft instantly.
Open any draft note in your dashboard.
Click Tell Supa AI.
Type or say your instruction (examples below).
Click Apply - your note regenerates with changes applied.
✨ Example edits you can ask for:
“Make this note more concise.”
“Use CBT-specific language.”
“Replace ‘client’ with ‘Pt’.”
“Summarize in bullet points.”
💡 Pro tip: If you tend to ask for the same change (e.g., “always call client ‘Ct’”), set it once in your Note Preferences so every new note is written that way automatically.
2. Edit or Build a Custom Template
To create a custom template, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Templates tab
From your dashboard, click Templates (top menu)
Click Create Template (top right)
2. Build or Edit a Template from Scratch
For deeper control, you can create your own reusable template:
Go to Templates tab
From your dashboard, click Templates in the top menu.
Click Create Template (top right).
Choose how to start
Use existing note → Paste in a past note you like. Supanote will convert it into a reusable template.
Start from scratch → Add sections one by one (SOAP, DAP, Intake, etc.).
Add the sections you want
Mix and match formats. Example: SOAP + Treatment Plan, or DAP + Risk Assessment.
Use Custom Sections for your own headings (e.g., “Homework Given,” “Supervisor Comments”).
Save your template
Give it a clear name (e.g., “EMDR Progress Note,” “Short SOAP”).
Click Save Template.
Your custom template is now available in the dropdown whenever you generate a new note.
When to Customize vs. When to Use Built-In
Use Built-in templates if you’re happy with standard formats (SOAP, DAP, etc.).
Use Quick Supa AI edits if you just need wording or style tweaks.
Use Custom templates if you regularly write in a very specific structure (e.g., EMDR session notes, or Intake with extra history sections).
Video Tutorial:
Need help using Supanote?
Template customization assistance:
Email Support: [email protected] for customization guidance
Personalized Training: Schedule 1:1 sessions with clinical documentation specialists here