How Custom Instructions Work
Custom Instructions are short snippets written in plain language. Each time IntelliSession generates a note, it reads any instructions that apply and uses them to shape the output. You can use them for guidance such as "Always include a risk assessment section," "Use person-first language," or "Keep the Subjective section under three sentences."
Instructions are organized into three levels so you can control exactly which notes they affect:
General -- applies to every note you generate, regardless of template or client.
Template-Specific -- applies only to notes created with a particular template.
Client-Specific -- applies only to notes for a particular client.
When more than one level applies, IntelliSession combines all relevant instructions.
Where to Manage Custom Instructions
There are three places where you can manage Custom Instructions, depending on which level you want to edit.
From a Note Page (All Three Levels)
Open any note from your notes page.
Scroll below the note content to the Customize Notes section.
Here you can view up to three columns: General, Template-Specific, and Client-Specific. Each column shows the instruction snippets for that level, and you can add, edit, or delete snippets directly from this page.
From a Template Page (Template-Specific Only)
Open the Templates tab.
Select the template you want to configure.
Scroll to the Template Instructions section.
This page shows only the instructions that apply to that specific template.
From a Client Page (Client-Specific Only)
Open the Clients tab.
Select the client you want to configure.
Scroll to the Client Instructions section.
This page shows only the instructions that apply to that specific client.
How to Add an Instruction
Click the + button at the bottom of the instruction list for the level you want.
A new blank snippet card will appear with the cursor ready for you to type.
Write your instruction in plain language. For example: "Use they/them pronouns for this client."
Changes save automatically, so there is no save button to click.
How to Edit or Delete an Instruction
To edit, click into any snippet card and update the text. Changes save automatically.
To delete, hover over a snippet card and click the close icon that appears. You will be asked to confirm before the snippet is removed.
How to Hide or Show Columns
If you do not need all three columns visible on the note page, you can hide columns to reduce visual clutter.
Click the menu button in the header of the column you want to hide.
Select Hide.
Hiding a column does not disable its instructions. Hidden instructions still apply when IntelliSession generates a note.
Hidden columns appear as chips below the visible columns. Click a chip to show the column again.
Tips for Writing Effective Instructions
Be specific. "Use formal clinical language" gives clearer guidance than "Write better."
Keep each snippet focused on one idea. This makes instructions easier to review, update, and delete.
Choose the right level. If an instruction applies to every note, place it in General. If it matters only for one client, place it in Client-Specific.
Refine instructions over time. Add or adjust instructions as you notice patterns you want to correct. You do not need to define everything at once.
Example Instructions
Here are a few examples to help you get started:
General
"Always include a brief risk assessment, even when there is no risk to report."
"Use person-first language throughout."
"Keep each section to no more than four sentences."
Template-Specific
"For SOAP notes, include at least two items in the Objective section."
"In the Assessment section, always reference the treatment plan goals."
Client-Specific
"Use they/them pronouns for this client."
"This client is working through grief related to the loss of a parent. Emphasize progress in coping strategies."
"Do not mention the client's workplace by name."
FAQs
Do My General Instructions Apply to All of My Notes?
Yes. Any instruction you add to the General column will be applied every time IntelliSession generates a note for you, no matter which template or client you are working with.
Do My General Instructions Apply to My Coworkers' Notes Too?
No. General instructions are tied to your account only. Your coworkers will not see your instructions, and their notes will not be affected by what you write. Each clinician manages their own Custom Instructions independently.
Can I Use All Three Levels at the Same Time?
Yes. IntelliSession reads your General instructions, any Template-Specific instructions for the template being used, and any Client-Specific instructions for the client the note is about. If more than one level applies, IntelliSession combines all relevant instructions.
What Happens if Instructions Conflict?
If two instructions conflict, IntelliSession resolves them in this order:
Client-Specific
Template-Specific
General
The most specific instruction takes precedence. For example, if your General instructions say "Use formal language," but your Template-Specific instructions say "For intake notes, use a warmer, more conversational tone," IntelliSession will follow the Template-Specific instruction for intake notes. If a Client-Specific instruction also applies, that client-level instruction takes highest priority for that client's notes.
Does It Matter Whether I Use One Card or Several?
No. Cards within the same column are mainly a way to organize your instructions visually. Whether you write five separate snippets or combine them into one, IntelliSession treats them the same way at that level. In practice, one idea per card is usually easier to scan, edit, and delete later.
Can I Reorder My Instruction Cards?
No. The order of cards does not change how IntelliSession prioritizes them. All instructions within a given level are treated equally, so you can arrange them however you like.
Do My Changes Save Automatically?
Yes. Changes to Custom Instructions save automatically as you type. There is no save button. You can close the page or navigate away, and your changes will be preserved.
When Do Custom Instructions Take Effect?
Custom Instructions only apply to new notes generated after you save them. They do not automatically update notes that have already been created.
If you want your current instructions to affect an existing note, revise that note with Magic Edit. In that case, your current Custom Instructions will be taken into account for the edit.
Do Custom Instructions Work With All Input Types?
Yes. Custom Instructions apply whether your note is generated from a full session recording, a dictated summary, a text summary, or handwritten notes.
Will IntelliSession Always Follow My Instructions Exactly?
IntelliSession gives your Custom Instructions priority when generating notes, and in most cases it follows them closely. Still, like any AI system, it may occasionally miss a detail or handle a vague or conflicting instruction imperfectly. Review generated notes and refine your instructions over time for the best results.