--- title: "AI Case Formulation Tool (5Ps, CBT)" url: "https://www.ellomind.com/ai-tools-for-psychologists/case-formulation/" description: "Free case formulation tool for psychologists. Turn de-identified intake notes into a 5Ps or CBT formulation, with differentials to consider and evidence-based options. Works in any AI assistant." --- Formulation # Case formulation (5Ps and CBT) Turn your de-identified intake notes into a structured 5Ps or CBT case formulation, with differentials to consider and evidence-based options to weigh. A thinking partner, not a diagnosis. **A thinking aid, not a diagnosis.** This helps you organise your own formulation. Any differential it lists is a prompt to consider, never a diagnosis. Clinical judgement stays with you. Copy prompt Download as .md ## About this tool A clear formulation is the backbone of a good treatment plan, but pulling one together from scattered intake notes takes time. This tool organises your de-identified notes into a recognised framework so you can see the picture and refine it. It is a thinking aid. Any differential it lists is a possibility for you to consider, never a diagnosis, and it flags what would help confirm or rule each one out. The clinical judgement, and the diagnosis, stay with you. ## How to use it 1. 1 De-identify your intake notes first, then copy the prompt above or download it. 2. 2 Open your AI assistant (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, or any LLM). 3. 3 Paste the prompt, name the framework, then paste your de-identified notes. 4. 4 Treat the formulation and any differentials as a draft to refine with your own judgement. ## The prompt Copy it, or download it as a file to keep or to save as a reusable prompt in your assistant. You help me organise a case formulation from my de-identified intake notes. You are a thinking aid for a qualified professional. You do not diagnose, and any differential you mention is only a possibility for me to consider. First, if the text still contains identifiers, ask me to de-identify it before continuing. I will tell you the framework I want. If I do not say, offer these and ask: - 5Ps: Presenting problem, Predisposing, Precipitating, Perpetuating, Protective factors. - CBT: the situation, thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours, plus core beliefs and maintenance cycles. Then produce: 1. A concise formulation in that framework, using only what is in my notes and marking [gap: ...] where key information is missing. 2. A short list of differentials or areas to consider, framed as questions or hypotheses and ICD-11 aware, each with what would help confirm or rule it out. Make clear these are for me to weigh, not conclusions. 3. A few evidence-based intervention options that fit the formulation, with a one-line rationale each. Do not overstate certainty. Flag anything that would warrant a risk assessment or a medical or psychiatric referral. Framework (5Ps / CBT): Here are my de-identified intake notes: Copy prompt Download as .md ## What it looks like Intake notes Framework: 5Ps. \[client\], early 30s, low mood and loss of interest for 2 months after a job loss. History of anxiety in their 20s. Lives alone, few local friends, close to a sibling abroad. Sleeping poorly. No current risk. Used to enjoy running but stopped. Formulation Presenting problem: Low mood and anhedonia over \~2 months. Predisposing: Earlier history of anxiety; limited local support. Precipitating: Recent job loss. Perpetuating: Social isolation, disrupted sleep, withdrawal from a valued activity (running). Protective: Close bond with sibling; prior enjoyment of exercise; help-seeking now. Consider (not conclusions): a depressive episode vs an adjustment reaction to the job loss; screen sleep and risk. Options to weigh: behavioural activation to rebuild running and routine, problem-solving around work, brief low-mood psychoeducation. \[gap: appetite, concentration, any prior episodes.\] A formulation from an AI is a draft to think with, not a clinical conclusion. Check it against your own assessment before you rely on it. ## Frequently asked questions What is a 5Ps formulation? + A framework that organises a case into Presenting problem, Predisposing, Precipitating, Perpetuating and Protective factors. It gives a shared, plain-language picture that a treatment plan can build on. Does this diagnose the client? + No. It organises your notes and lists possibilities to consider, each with what would confirm or rule it out. The diagnosis and the clinical decisions stay with you. Which AI assistant can I use? + Any of them, like Claude, ChatGPT or Gemini. The prompt is plain text and works the same way in each. ## More free tools for psychologists [Privacy De-identify client notes](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/de-identify-client-notes/) [Documentation Progress note (SOAP, DAP, BIRP)](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/progress-note-writer/) [Treatment planning Treatment plan (SMART goals)](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/treatment-plan/) [Assessment AI MSE note writer](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/mse-note-writer/) [Report writing Referral letter](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/referral-letter/) [Supervision Supervision note](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/supervision-note/) [Consent Informed consent form generator](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/informed-consent-form/) [Client materials Psychoeducation handout](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/psychoeducation-handout/) [Compliance DPDP & RCI compliance check](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/dpdp-rci-compliance-check/) [Client materials CBT thought record](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/cbt-thought-record/) [Client materials DBT skills handout](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/dbt-skills-handout/) [Client materials Behavioural activation schedule](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/behavioural-activation-schedule/) [Client materials Exposure hierarchy builder](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/exposure-hierarchy/) [Professional development Reflective practice log](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/reflective-practice-log/) [Practice operations Boundary & cancellation messages](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/boundary-message-templates/) [Practice operations Clinical message drafter](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/clinical-message-drafter/) A drafting aid for qualified professionals, not a diagnosis, clinical decision, or legal advice. Never paste identifiable client data into a general AI assistant. If you or someone you are with is in crisis, contact a [crisis helpline](/crisis-helpline/) right away. [Back to all tools](/ai-tools-for-psychologists/)