Can AI Be Trusted With Patients’ Most Sensitive Secrets?
The growing use of AI-powered note-taking tools in therapy sessions is raising concerns over patient privacy, data security, and the impact of artificial intelligence on trust between therapists and clients.
The growing use of artificial intelligence in mental health care is sparking fresh concerns over patient privacy and therapist-client trust after a U.S. woman discovered that her therapy sessions were being recorded and processed by an AI-powered note-taking tool.
According to a report by NPR, 31-year-old Molly Quinn became suspicious during a therapy session when she noticed her therapist was no longer taking notes by hand and had positioned an iPad unusually in front of her. She later learned that an AI system was being used to record and transcribe their conversations.
Questions Over Sensitive Data
The discovery prompted concerns about how deeply personal conversations are handled, where they are stored, and whether they could eventually be used to train AI systems. Quinn said the experience left her feeling that her privacy had been compromised, ultimately leading her to end the therapeutic relationship and seek a new therapist.
AI Expands Across Healthcare
Mental health professionals are increasingly adopting AI-powered documentation tools designed to reduce administrative workloads and free up more time for patient care. However, concerns remain about the reliability of these systems, particularly regarding data security and the risk of inaccurate AI-generated records.
A recent YouGov survey cited by NPR found that only 11% of Americans are open to using AI in mental healthcare, while just 8% expressed trust in the technology. Meanwhile, 40% said they do not trust AI in this area at all.
Impact on the Therapeutic Relationship
Some therapists argue that the presence of AI during counseling sessions can fundamentally alter the therapeutic environment. Patients may feel as though an additional party is listening, potentially affecting their willingness to share personal thoughts and emotions openly.
Although AI providers insist that recordings are quickly deleted and data is stored under strict security standards, concerns over future data breaches and cyberattacks continue to fuel skepticism among patients. For many, earning public trust remains one of the biggest challenges facing AI adoption in mental healthcare.