Which section of a SOAP note contains the therapist's interpretation of client progress and justification for continued services?

The section of a SOAP note that contains the therapist's interpretation of client progress and justification for continued services is the Assessment section. This part of the note is critical as it addresses the therapist's clinical reasoning. In the Assessment, the therapist synthesizes the information gathered in the Subjective and Objective sections to make informed judgments about the client’s status.

This includes evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, noting changes in client condition, and determining if the client is on track to meet their goals. The Assessment provides insight into how the client is responding to therapy and whether modifications are needed in the treatment approach or if continued services are justified based on the client's progress. Thus, it plays a key role in documenting the therapeutic process and ensuring that decisions regarding care are evidence-based and client-centered.