Therapy and Privacy in the world of AI

Many therapists are beginning to incorporate elements of AI into their practice, but I will NOT be doing so.

My stance on the issue is that the information you share with me is sacred. When working together, we are creating a trusting relationship where safety is needed in order for vulnerability to occur. My job is to protect your privacy.

AI, even when HIPAA compliant, is worrisome to me. I don’t want AI companies to have any of your information, even when “de-identified,” because we do not know the way the information is being used or stored, and your privacy matters to me. Often times these companies will have policies that are able to shift and even when a company does not begin using the data it receives one way there is always potential for the use to shift.

As a social worker it is in our code of ethics to promote and advance social justice. AI use is known to have significant environmental impacts. When we look at environmental impacts they don’t impact people equally. Historically environmental injustice has disproportionately affected marginalized populations. By utilizing AI I would be going against my ethics of promoting social justice.

Your use of AI is a personal choice that I respect, but I do believe it is important for you to have transparency when working with a mental health provider about what aspects of therapy may include AI. In my case, AI will not be present in any aspect of my practice. I am open to further conversations about this as always.