Is Your Therapist Using AI to Track Sessions? What You Can Do About It

Is Your Therapist Using AI to Track Sessions? What You Can Do About It

A recent investigation by the Los Angeles Times has shed light on a practice many patients may not be aware of: mental health providers using AI tools to analyze therapy sessions, often without explicit patient consent. The report, published June 22, 2026, describes AI systems that can process spoken language, detect emotions, summarize session notes, and even assign risk scores—all while the patient assumes their words are heard only by the therapist.

If you currently see a therapist or are considering starting, it’s worth understanding how this technology works and what you can do to protect the privacy of your private conversations.

What happened

The investigation found that several AI-powered platforms are being marketed directly to therapists and mental health clinics. These tools offer features such as:

• Automated session note generation – recording and transcribing sessions, then producing summaries.
• Voice pattern analysis – assessing tone, pace, and inflection for emotional cues.
• Sentiment scoring – rating a patient’s emotional state over time.
• Risk detection – flagging language that might indicate self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Providers are using these tools to reduce administrative burden and improve care, but the report highlights a persistent lack of transparency. Many patients surveyed were not told that AI was being used to analyze their sessions, nor did they give specific consent beyond signing a general HIPAA form.

It remains unclear how widespread this practice is across all states or types of mental health providers. The investigation focused on clinics and private practices that had adopted these platforms, but the exact number of affected patients is not publicly known.

Why it matters

The relationship between a therapist and patient relies heavily on trust. If you’re discussing deeply personal issues, you expect your words to stay in the room. When AI is introduced into that space—especially without clear, informed consent—it can undermine that trust.

There are also real privacy risks. Even if the AI system is HIPAA compliant, data may still be stored, processed, or shared with third-party vendors. A breach or misuse of that data could expose sensitive details about your mental health, relationships, or history. And while HIPAA does provide some protections, state laws vary. In some cases, the legal landscape around AI in healthcare remains untested.

Beyond privacy, there is the question of accuracy. AI models can misinterpret emotions or context, potentially leading to incorrect risk scores or notes that don’t reflect what actually happened in session. That could affect your care or even your records.

What readers can do

You don’t need to stop seeing your therapist, but you can take proactive steps to protect your privacy.

1. Ask direct questions. Before or during your next session, ask your therapist:

• “Are you using any AI or automated tools to analyze or record our sessions?”
• “If so, what is being recorded, how is it stored, and with whom is it shared?”
• “Can I see the notes that are generated by that system?”

A good provider will answer honestly. If they seem evasive or dismissive, that’s a red flag.

2. Look for disclosures. Some practices include AI use in their intake paperwork or privacy policies. Read those documents carefully. If they mention “natural language processing” or “automated note-taking,” you may want to ask follow-up questions.

3. Understand your consent options. Under HIPAA, you generally have the right to request restrictions on how your data is used. You can ask your provider to opt you out of any AI analysis. However, they are not legally required to agree. If they refuse, you may need to decide whether to continue with that provider.

4. Consider alternatives. If you want to avoid AI tracking entirely, you can explore:

• Cash-based therapy – paying out of pocket often means fewer data obligations, since insurance isn’t involved. Ask upfront if they use any AI tools.
• Encrypted teletherapy platforms – some services specifically market themselves as privacy-focused and may not use AI for analysis. Check their terms.
• A therapist who explicitly refuses AI – more clinicians are now advertising “no AI” practices. Asking directly is still the best approach.

5. Know your rights. While the legal landscape is evolving, you have the right to access your medical records, request amendments, and file a complaint if you believe your privacy has been violated. Start with your state’s health department or the Office for Civil Rights (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

Sources

• “Your mental health provider might be secretly tracking sessions with AI,” Los Angeles Times, June 22, 2026.
• Additional context from the same publication’s series on AI in healthcare, including labor disputes at Kaiser and student surveillance in colleges.

The situation is still unfolding. As AI tools become more common in mental health, patients will need to stay informed and ask questions. The goal isn’t to scare you away from therapy—it’s to make sure your privacy is respected while you get the care you need.