Mental health therapists who use AI to take notes face questions about trust : NPR
Mental health therapists who use AI to take notes face questions about trust : NPR
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5826943
Publish Date: 2026-05-26 05:00:00
Source Domain: www.npr.org
- Increasing number of therapists are adopting AI tools for note-taking which record sessions and generate clinical notes to save time on administrative tasks.
- AI tools potentially save therapists from burnout but have raised concerns about patient trust and privacy.
- Molly Quinn, a librarian from Arkansas, felt violated when she discovered her therapist used an AI note-taking tool without her consent during a session.
- The ethical concerns include the accuracy of generated notes and the issue of informed consent, as some patients may not fully understand the implications of AI note-taking.
- Critics, like bioethics researcher Kellie Owens, worry that AI could inaccurately document interactions, leading to errors in a client’s permanent record.
- Some argue that AI may change the therapeutic experience, potentially affecting clients’ willingness to disclose personal information.
- Supporters, like therapist Kym Tolson, believe AI note-taking can significantly reduce burnout and administrative workload, allowing therapists to focus more on patient care.
- Quinn eventually found a new therapist and stipulated no use of AI as a condition, emphasizing the importance of privacy even in therapy.
