The Custom Templates feature allows you to create fully customized note formats tailored to your documentation needs. If none of the existing templates in the Template Library suit your workflow, you can build a new template from scratch. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.
How to Start
On your Template Library, click "Create New Template"
Step 1: Naming Your Template
Enter a descriptive name for your template that reflects its purpose.
Example: "Comprehensive Therapy Progress Note".
This name will appear in the templates dropdown, making it easy to select when generating notes.
Step 2: Adding Sections
Each template consists of multiple sections, with each section defining a specific part of your note.
Configuring Sections
For every section you create, configure the following properties:
Section Name (Required)
Enter a title for the section.
Examples: Subjective, Interventions, Risk Assessment, Treatment Plan.
Verbosity (Concise or Detailed)
Concise: Generates a short, to-the-point summary.
Detailed: Provides a more comprehensive explanation.
Style (Bullet Points or Paragraph Format)
Bullet Points: Best for structured lists and key points.
Paragraph: Suitable for a narrative-style documentation.
Section Content (Required)
This is where you define how the AI should populate the section.
Examples:
“Summarize the client’s reported symptoms and medical history.”
“List the therapist’s interventions and their impact.”
“Provide a structured risk assessment, including protective and aggravating factors.”
Tip: Keep instructions clear and concise to avoid overly rigid AI responses.
See the Common Sections list below for examples you can copy and customize.
Step 3: Organizing Sections
You can reorder sections using the Move Up / Move Down buttons.
Best practice: Arrange sections in a logical order to optimize note readability.
Step 4: Saving and Using Your Template
Click Save Template to store your new template in My Templates.
To test your template, use it in an actual session.
Review the AI-generated note to determine if it meets your expectations.
Step 5: Refining Your Template
If the output isn’t optimal, make adjustments by:
Refining Section Content for better accuracy.
Tweaking Verbosity settings for a more appropriate level of detail.
Switching between Bullet Points and Paragraph formats to improve clarity.
Saving changes and iterating based on real session outputs.
Include Examples in Your Section Instructions (Highly Recommended)
One of the most effective ways to improve the accuracy and consistency of your custom template is to include example snippets in your Section Content. These examples demonstrate the tone, structure, and level of detail you want Twofold to follow.
Providing an example helps the AI understand the style you prefer and reduces guesswork—especially for clinical sections that require specific formatting or phrasing.
How to use examples inside a section:
In the Section Content field, include both the instruction and a brief sample of what you consider a good output.
Example:
Instruction:
“Summarize the client’s presenting concerns and functional impact.”
Example:
“Client reports increased anxiety over the last two weeks, difficulty sleeping, and increased irritability at work. Symptoms are interfering with daily routines and concentration.”
Why examples help:
They anchor the AI to your preferred writing style
They reduce variability across notes
They ensure specialty-specific language is captured correctly
They improve structure for complex sections (e.g., interventions, risk, IFS parts mapping, EMDR phases, etc.)
If you already have a specific style of documentation that you prefer, using a short example in each section is one of the best ways to teach the AI to match it.
Common Sections You Can Add to Your Template
Here are sections that show up frequently across clinical templates. Use these as a starting point, and adjust the content instructions to match your documentation style. Each example below includes a sample instruction you can copy and customize.
Subjective — "Summarize the client's presenting concerns, reported symptoms, duration and severity, and functional impact on daily activities. Only document what the client directly reported."
Objective / Mental Status Examination — "Document observed behaviors, appearance, mood, affect, speech patterns, thought process, and cognitive functioning. Only include observations made during the session. Do not infer or fabricate clinical observations."
Assessment — "Provide the clinician's analysis of symptoms, diagnostic considerations, and clinical impressions. Reference specific symptoms and observations discussed. Do not fabricate diagnoses or clinical details."
Plan / Treatment Goals — "Detail the recommended treatment approach, medication changes, referrals, and follow-up schedule. Include short-term and long-term goals and any updates on progress."
Interventions — "Document specific therapeutic interventions used during the session (CBT techniques, EMDR, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation). Include the client's response to each intervention."
Risk Assessment — "Identify any risk factors discussed (suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, self-harm), protective factors, and any safety planning conducted. If no risk factors were discussed, state that risk was assessed and no acute concerns were identified."
Session Summary — "Summarize the main topics discussed, the client's engagement and affect throughout the session, and any action items or homework assigned."
Diagnosis — "List the primary and secondary diagnoses with supporting clinical observations and any relevant DSM/ICD codes."
Medication Management — "Document current medications, changes in dosage, side effects reported, and adherence."
Homework & Assignments — "Describe tasks assigned for the client to complete before the next session, such as journaling, exposure exercises, or behavioral tracking."
Tips and Tricks
Keep Instructions Clear & Focused: Overly detailed instructions may limit AI flexibility.
Avoid Conflicting Formatting: If using Paragraph format, don’t request bullet points.
If your template is useful, consider sharing it with colleagues using the "Share" option on the template.