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Writer's pictureSherwin Gaddis

Why Psychotherapist are wary of AI

Dr. Bisk PhyD shared her concerns about the therapy note generator I asked her to review. The conversation went like this.


Why psychotherapist are wary of ai

Sherwin:

Dr. Bisk, I was hoping you could find the time to test my AI to generate a clinical SOAP note. Will you please test the AI power soap note generator I built? https://api.affordablecustomehr.com/psychology-ai-note-generator

Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for improvements. It's free and doesn't require a credit card. Thanks


Dr. Bisk:

I am wary of AI tools.

I would need to know a lot more about who you are and what you mean by AI.

How is information stored, protected, used, etc? I am very protective of my own and my client's information, which I am legally obligated to protect. Best,

Dr. Bisk, Psy.D


Sherwin:

Thank you for your reply.

To answer your questions: The information is not stored in our system or anywhere else. It is a stand-alone system and has no capasity to store anything.

The note that appears to the therapist is only visible to them. Our system does not retain a copy, nor was it designed to do so. As long as you don't enter or speak the patient’s name or other identifying information, it remains separate from the note generator. The note generator is essentially "blind" and can only process what you directly input or say to generate the note.

About me:

I have been a developer for over 10 years, with most of that time dedicated to the

OpenEMR project (https://github.com/juggernautsei). Recently, I've integrated the

OpenAI API to enable the generation of professional notes as if written by a

seasoned psychotherapist, drawing upon years of patient interaction.

The AI processes the data entered into the form, analyzes it, and returns

a therapeutic note for the therapist to review and edit as


In the field of mental health, trust and confidentiality are foundational. As technology advances, it’s only natural for psychotherapists to have questions or be wary about how new tools, like AI-driven SOAP note generators, handle sensitive client information. We understand the unique responsibilities therapists have in protecting client privacy, and we share this commitment wholeheartedly. This article addresses the most pressing questions about our AI’s role in supporting documentation, how we securely manage and store data, and the measures we’ve taken to align with industry standards for client protection. At our core, we are dedicated to helping therapists streamline their documentation while upholding the highest standards of privacy and ethical responsibility.


1. Understanding Our Company and Commitment to Privacy

We are dedicated to enhancing therapeutic practices through innovative technology. Our team comprises professionals with extensive experience in healthcare and artificial intelligence, committed to developing tools that streamline documentation while upholding the highest standards of client confidentiality. We implement robust security measures, including data encryption, secure access protocols, and compliance with industry regulations such as HIPAA, to ensure that all client information is protected and handled responsibly.


2. What We Mean by AI and Its Role in SOAP Note Generation

When we talk about AI in our SOAP note generator, we refer to advanced algorithms designed to assist therapists in creating structured, accurate documentation based on their inputs. The AI is trained to recognize patterns in therapeutic language, making the documentation process more efficient and consistent. Importantly, our AI does not "see" or retain any personal client information; it works purely based on the therapist’s inputs to provide suggested formats, insights, and structure that meet clinical standards. By simplifying the note-writing process, our AI aims to give therapists more time to focus on what matters most: patient care.


3. Data Storage and Protection Measures

Data security is paramount in every feature of our platform. Client data is stored on encrypted servers that meet industry-standard security protocols, including full compliance with HIPAA. We use advanced encryption to protect all data both in transit and at rest, ensuring that sensitive information is shielded from unauthorized access. Hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), our platform benefits from AWS's robust physical and digital security measures, adding an extra layer of protection. Through these measures, we provide peace of mind that client data is securely housed, accessible only to authorized users.


4. Data Usage and Access Policies

We are committed to the responsible use of data, gathering only the minimal information necessary for the SOAP note generation process. Access to this data is strictly limited to authorized users, including the therapist and specific support staff as required. We do not share or disclose data to any third parties, and we maintain stringent internal controls to prevent unauthorized access. These practices are aligned with HIPAA and other regulatory standards, ensuring that all interactions with client information remain secure, private, and within the boundaries of compliance.


5. Privacy Policies and Legal Obligations

We understand the legal obligations therapists face regarding client confidentiality, and we’ve designed our platform to support these requirements at every level. Our privacy policies are crafted in alignment with HIPAA, ensuring that all data is handled with care and remains protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, our platform includes various safeguards, such as secure mail services and SSL encryption, to secure every step of the client-therapist interaction. Our team receives ongoing training in data protection protocols, reinforcing our commitment to supporting therapists in meeting their privacy obligations with confidence.


6. Responding to Therapist Concerns Directly

We recognize that protecting client information is a top priority for therapists, and we take this responsibility seriously. Our platform is built to maintain the strict confidentiality of client data, and we welcome any questions about our processes, technology, or data handling practices. With privacy embedded in every step of our design, therapists can trust that our tools will enhance their practice without compromising the safety of their client’s information. We are here to provide the transparency needed to establish trust, ensuring that therapists feel secure in using our AI-powered solution to support their essential work.



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