Is Your Therapist Using AI to Track Sessions? Here's What to Know

Is Your Therapist Using AI to Track Sessions? Here’s What to Know

If you’ve been in therapy recently, you probably assume that what you say stays between you and your clinician. But a new investigation from the Los Angeles Times suggests that assumption may no longer be safe. According to the report, some mental health providers are using artificial intelligence to monitor, transcribe, and analyze therapy sessions—often without clear, upfront consent from patients.

This development raises urgent questions about privacy in one of the few spaces people expect complete confidentiality.

What Happened

The LA Times investigation, published on June 22, 2026, found that multiple mental health platforms and private practices are deploying AI tools to process session data. These tools can automatically generate transcripts, run sentiment analysis, or track a patient’s progress over time by scanning for keywords and emotional patterns. In some cases, the AI is embedded in the same software therapists use to take notes or manage calendars.

Critically, patients were rarely told that their spoken words were being fed into an AI system. Consent forms, when they existed, often used vague language such as “session analysis” or “quality improvement” buried in fine print. Some providers reportedly used third-party AI services that process data on external servers—data that may not be fully covered by standard HIPAA protections.

Why It Matters

Therapy is built on trust. The promise of confidentiality allows people to be honest about painful or embarrassing experiences. Introducing AI into that space without transparent consent undermines that trust in several ways.

First, there is the risk of data breaches. Any system that stores recordings or transcripts becomes a target. If an AI platform used by a therapy practice is compromised, deeply personal conversations could be exposed.

Second, there is a risk of discrimination. Health data—including mental health diagnoses—has been used by insurers and employers to make decisions. Even if your therapist de-identifies the data, AI analysis could still reveal sensitive patterns that might be shared with third parties. A 2023 settlement involving BetterHelp, in which the company shared user data with advertisers, shows how easily confidential health information can be misused.

Third, the mere presence of AI may change the therapeutic dynamic. Patients who know they are being monitored might censor themselves, reducing the effectiveness of treatment.

What Readers Can Do

If you are currently in therapy or considering starting, you can take practical steps to protect your privacy.

Look for red flags. Vague consent forms that mention “session recording” or “data analysis” without specifics are a warning sign. If your therapist’s practice uses an app or portal that includes features like “AI-powered notes” or “automated summaries,” ask for details.

Ask direct questions. Before your next session, say: “Are you using any AI tools to record or analyze our conversations? If so, what data is collected, where is it stored, and is it shared with anyone outside your practice?” Most ethical providers will answer honestly. If they are evasive, consider that a red flag.

Review the paperwork. Read the intake forms and privacy policies carefully. Look for terms like “natural language processing,” “machine learning,” or “behavioral analytics.” If the language is unclear, ask for a plain-English explanation.

Request an opt-out. Under HIPAA, you generally have the right to request restrictions on how your health information is used. Some providers may allow you to decline AI analysis while still receiving treatment. If they refuse, that is worth noting.

Report violations. If you believe your provider is using AI in a way that violates your privacy or consent, you can file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the agency that enforces HIPAA). You can also contact your state attorney general’s consumer protection division.

Sources

This article is based on the Los Angeles Times investigation: “Your mental health provider might be secretly tracking sessions with AI,” published June 22, 2026. For more context on similar incidents, see the Federal Trade Commission’s 2023 settlement with BetterHelp regarding data sharing. The HIPAA Privacy Rule (45 CFR 164.502) outlines patient rights to request restrictions on disclosures.