Guide · Endings

End-of-therapy summary: structure and examples

Last reviewed 12 October 2026 · 6 min read

An end-of-therapy summary (often called a discharge summary) is a short record written when therapy ends. It states why the client came, what was done, what changed, how therapy ended and what happens next. It closes your own record and is the basis for any letter to an insurer or a GP.

• PurposeClose the record clearly
• LengthUsually one page
• CopiesInsurer or GP only with consent
• Who writes itThe treating therapist

Why write one

Professional bodies expect accurate records that cover the whole course of work. HCPC registrants must keep "full, clear and accurate records", and BACP's Ethical Framework asks for records that are adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary. A dated summary at the end shows how the work concluded, which helps if the client returns, asks for their records or makes a complaint, and it is the natural source for an insurer's end-of-treatment report.

Unverified We found no single UK rule that requires an end-of-therapy summary in private practice. Some insurers, employers' assistance programmes and services ask for one; check your contracts.

A structure that fits on one page

1. Reference and dates. Client reference, start date, end date.
2. Attendance. Sessions offered, attended, cancelled and not attended.
3. Reason for referral. The presenting difficulties as recorded at assessment.
4. Approach. The model or methods used and any change of plan.
5. Course of therapy. Main themes and turning points, with dates where it helps.
6. Outcome measures. Opening and closing score of each measure, with dates.
7. Status at the end. Your view of where things stand for each goal: met, partly met, not met.
8. Ending. Planned or unplanned, and how it was agreed.
9. Aftercare. Relapse prevention points, signposting, how to get back in touch.
10. Copies. Who receives a copy and the consent recorded for each.

Example sentences from a fictional case

Twelve sessions were offered between 6 January and 31 March; eleven were attended and one was cancelled by the client with notice. The PHQ-9 raw score was 17 on 6 January and 8 on 24 March. Goal 1 (speaking up in team meetings) was met; goal 2 (travelling alone by train) was partly met. The ending was planned and agreed in session 9.

Each sentence can be checked against the record. Words such as "excellent progress" add little; the numbers and the goal status say more.

Unplanned endings

When a client stops attending, record the last session attended, each attempt to make contact with its date and channel, and the date you closed the case. Keep the tone factual. If you were concerned about the client's safety at the time, record what you did, in line with your contract and your professional body's guidance.

Who may receive a copy

The summary is part of your record. Sending it, or a letter based on it, to an insurer or a GP is a disclosure of health information. Ask for the client's explicit consent and record it, as described in our guide on GP letters and consent. Write as if the client will read it: under UK GDPR clients can ask for a copy of their records.