Therapy Intake Form Templates Used by 5,000+ Therapists
Updated July 2026
We've got two versions of a free therapy intake form template just for you.
Choose a shorter intake and consent form, or a more comprehensive initial wellness assessment. Both are available here as PDFs, or you can make your own copy in Google Docs and edit to your liking.
These forms were created by real clinicians and shared to help other practitioners save time when creating their own counseling intake forms.
Two counseling intake form templates
Counseling intake & consent form
The first form on offer pairs the intake questions with a consent section in one document. It works well as an individual therapy intake form, and could be adapted for couples or group work. This one is best if you want something a new client can read, complete, and sign in a few minutes. It covers client details, presenting concerns, wellbeing and relationship history, stress, and a plain-language consent and confidentiality section.
💾 Download or make a copy from Google Docs
📄 Download as a PDF
Created by Superior Integrated Care
Wellness counseling intake assessment
The second form is a longer assessment for practitioners who want a fuller picture before session one. Alongside some basics, it covers medical and mental health history, family history, substance use, a mental health and risk history section, lifestyle and sleep, and what the client hopes to gain from counseling. Best for a new practice starting from scratch, or anyone who wants everything in one place instead of separate forms.
💾 Download or make a copy from Google Docs
📄 Download as a PDF
Created by Byblos Santé
How and when should I send a therapy intake form?
Sending your intake form when a client books gives them the most time to complete it before their first appointment. As psychologist Nicole McCance puts it, "when people want therapy, they want it now," so a form that's ready the moment they book meets that feeling of urgency.
No matter which form you choose, the next step is making sure you send it securely.
Intake forms often contain personal health information, so choosing a secure way to share them is important. Privacy laws like HIPAA in the US and PIPEDA in Canada expect healthcare providers to use safeguards that are appropriate for the sensitivity of the information they're handling. In many cases, that means avoiding standard email for completed forms and using a secure, encrypted method instead.
If you use an EMR with secure online forms, that's often the simplest option. Clients can complete everything through a secure portal, so you can easily review their information when you need it. If you're not using an EMR, look for a secure file-sharing or online forms service that meets the privacy requirements in your region.
FAQ
Can I edit this therapy intake form template to fit my practice?
You sure can. Just open the Google Doc and go to File, then Make a Copy, to create your own version. Add your name, practice name, logo, fees, and cancellation policy. Remove anything that doesn’t apply, and add anything specific to your modality or client population. Just make sure your changes meet your regulatory body's requirements before you start sending it to clients.
What else should I add to these forms?
The templates cover a lot of the essentials, so additions are the parts specific to you. You could add your cancellation policy, your fees, your communication preferences, a note on between-session contact, and what a client should do between sessions if they are in distress. Add anything specific to your modality or client population, too. A good rule is to think about anything that comes up in most early sessions and add it to your intake form.
Can I add these templates to my practice management software?
Yes, if you're using Jane to manage your practice, you can add either template to your account through the Template Library, customize it to fit your clinic, and reuse it whenever you need it. And you're not limited to these two either. The Template Library is full of intake and chart templates shared by other practitioners, so search for one of these by title, or browse the rest while you're there.
These forms are a helpful starting point, but every practice is a little different. What you need to include in an intake form can vary depending on where you're located and the requirements of your licensing body. Before sending either form to a client, take a moment to check that your consent and confidentiality wording matches the guidelines that apply to you.
Jane is practice management software built for healthcare practices, with online intake forms that help you send, collect, and securely store client information. Learn more about Jane's intake forms.