The Moment of Unveiling: When Your Safe Space Includes AI
It happens mid-session. You’re unpacking the tangled wires of a difficult week, and in that space of trust, your therapist pauses. They mention a new tool they're considering, an 'AI scribe,' to help with their notes so they can be more present with you. Suddenly, the air in the room shifts. A dozen silent questions bloom in your mind: Is my therapy session being recorded? Where does that data go? Is a robot listening to my most vulnerable thoughts?
This flicker of uncertainty is the new, complex reality of therapy in a digital age. The very idea can feel like a breach of the sacred contract of confidentiality you’ve built. Understanding this moment, and knowing how to navigate it, is crucial. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do when your therapist uses an AI scribe, ensuring your rights and comfort remain the top priority.
'My Data Is Going Where?' Understanding Your Initial Anxiety
Let’s take a deep breath right here. If your heart rate picked up a little when your therapist mentioned AI, that is completely and totally valid. As our emotional anchor, Buddy, always reminds us, 'Your feelings are messengers, not malfunctions.' That anxiety is a protective instinct firing up, and it's doing its job.
Therapy is supposed to be a fortress of solitude, a place where your words vanish into the safety of the room after they’re spoken. Introducing an AI scribe in healthcare settings, especially mental health, can feel like a third party has been invited in without your permission. It’s natural to question the confidentiality with AI in therapy.
This isn't just about technology; it’s about trust. Your hesitation isn't a sign of being 'difficult' or 'anti-tech.' It's a sign that you value your privacy and the sanctity of your therapeutic relationship. Honoring that feeling is the first step in figuring out what to do when your therapist uses an AI scribe.
Why Your Therapist Is Using AI (And How It Can Actually Help You)
Now, let's look at the underlying pattern. As our sense-maker, Cory, would observe, this isn't random; it's a response to a systemic issue. Therapists are facing immense administrative burdens, with note-taking often consuming hours outside of sessions. This can lead to burnout, which directly impacts the quality of care they can provide.
The introduction of an AI scribe is often an attempt to solve this problem—to automate the clerical work so they can devote their full cognitive and emotional presence to you during your session. The potential benefits of AI for your care are tangible: more detailed and accurate notes can lead to better tracking of your progress, remembering key details from months prior, and ultimately, a more effective therapeutic journey. It's a key part of understanding what to do when your therapist uses an AI scribe.
However, this operational efficiency cannot come at the cost of your safety or autonomy. According to the American Psychological Association's ethical principles, the bedrock of any therapeutic procedure is informed consent. This means you have the absolute right to understand the process, its risks, and its benefits before agreeing. This is the core of your rights as a patient.
Cory offers this 'Permission Slip' for your thoughts: 'You have permission to be both curious about the benefits and cautious about the risks.' Exploring what to do when your therapist uses an AI scribe is about holding both of these truths at once.
Smart Questions to Ask Your Therapist About AI
Feelings are valid, but strategy is power. Our social strategist, Pavo, insists that the best way to move from anxiety to clarity is with a clear action plan. Understanding what to do when your therapist uses an AI scribe means asking direct, informed questions. This isn't a confrontation; it's a collaboration to ensure your continued safety and trust.
Here are the precise questions to ask your therapist, designed to get you the information you need to make a truly informed decision about patient consent for AI.
Step 1: Inquire About Data Security & HIPAA
'Could you tell me about the specific AI scribe software you're using? Is it fully HIPAA-compliant?'
Step 2: Clarify the Recording and Storage Process
'To ensure I'm comfortable, can you explain if our sessions will be audio or video recorded? How is that data stored, for how long, and who has access to it?'
Step 3: Understand the 'Human in the Loop'
'Will you be reviewing and editing every note the AI generates before it's finalized in my file? What's the process for correcting errors?'
Step 4: Confirm Your Right to Opt-Out
'What is the process if I'm not comfortable with this? Can I opt-out of the AI scribe being used for my sessions at any time, even in the future?'
Pavo's core advice is this: 'Your peace of mind is not negotiable.' A good therapist will welcome these questions as a sign of your engagement in your own therapeutic process. A clear and transparent conversation is the only path forward when deciding what to do when your therapist uses an AI scribe.
FAQ
1. Can I refuse to let my therapist use an AI scribe for my sessions?
Absolutely. Your participation in therapy is voluntary, and this extends to the tools used. The principle of informed consent means you have the right to refuse any procedure or technology you are not comfortable with, and your therapist should provide an alternative, such as traditional note-taking, without penalty to your care.
2. Is my therapy session being recorded if an AI scribe is used?
Most AI scribe systems require audio recording during the session to transcribe the conversation. However, you should ask your therapist for the specifics. Key questions include whether the recording is stored temporarily and then deleted after transcription, or if it is stored for a longer period.
3. How is my privacy and confidentiality protected with AI in therapy?
Any AI tool used in a clinical setting must be HIPAA-compliant, which involves strict rules about data encryption, access controls, and security. The data should also be de-identified, meaning your personal information is separated from the session content. Asking your therapist about their specific software's security protocols is a crucial part of what to do when your therapist uses an AI scribe.
4. What are the real benefits of my therapist using an AI scribe for my care?
The primary benefit is that it frees up your therapist from the cognitive load of note-taking during your session, allowing them to be more present and engaged with you. It can also lead to more accurate and detailed session notes, which helps in tracking progress and planning future sessions more effectively.
References
apa.org — Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct