AI in Therapy: Opportunity, Ethics and the Future of Private Practice [Podcast]

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept, it's already changing the way many therapists and healthcare practitioners work.

From streamlining admin to supporting documentation, AI has the potential to save valuable time.

At the same time, its growing role in mental health raises important questions around ethics, trust and the irreplaceable value of human connection.

In the latest episode of The Healthy Practice, host Lisa O'Rorke is joined by Sarah D Rees, BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, author and founder of Therapists Corner, to explore how practitioners can embrace AI thoughtfully and responsibly.

AI is changing the conversation

Whether it's using AI to draft clinical notes, generate marketing ideas or improve administrative workflows, more practitioners are beginning to explore where these tools fit into private practice.

But as AI becomes more accessible, so too do the conversations around its limitations.

During the episode, Lisa and Sarah discuss:

• Where AI can genuinely save therapists time
• Why more people are turning to AI for emotional support
• The ethical considerations of using AI in clinical practice
• How to use AI while maintaining professional standards and client trust
• Why therapists shouldn't fear AI, but should understand it.

Rather than replacing therapists, the discussion highlights how AI works best as a support tool, leaving clinicians free to focus on what matters most: building meaningful therapeutic relationships.

Technology should support, not replace human care

One of the key themes throughout the conversation is balance.

While AI can improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden, therapy remains fundamentally human. Empathy, clinical judgement, lived experience and the therapeutic relationship simply cannot be automated.

As Sarah explains, the future isn't about choosing between therapists and technology, it's about understanding where each adds value.

For practitioners considering AI for the first time, this episode offers practical guidance alongside a balanced perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Watch the full episode

Whether you're already using AI in your practice or you're still deciding where it fits, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of the biggest shifts currently shaping healthcare.

Helping practitioners spend less time on admin

At WriteUpp, we believe technology should make life easier, not more complicated.

That's why we've introduced AI Medical Scribe, designed to turn consultations and dictation into structured clinical notes, documents and completed assessments. AI creates the first draft, while you remain in complete control to review, edit and apply your professional judgement.

By reducing documentation time, you can spend more time focusing on what matters most, your clients.

Start your 30-day free trial today with no payment details required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can therapists use AI ethically?

Yes. AI can support administrative tasks such as drafting clinical notes, creating marketing content or organising information. However, therapists should always follow the guidance of their professional body, obtain appropriate client consent where required, protect confidential information and apply their own clinical judgement before using AI-generated content.

Can AI replace therapists?

No. While AI can assist with certain tasks and provide information or conversational support, it cannot replicate the empathy, clinical judgement, therapeutic relationship and human connection that are central to effective therapy.

How can AI help therapists save time?

Many therapists are using AI to reduce time spent on administrative work, including drafting clinical notes, creating templates, summarising information, generating ideas for marketing and streamlining practice management tasks. Used appropriately, AI can help practitioners spend more time focusing on client care.

What are the risks of using AI in therapy?

Potential risks include inaccurate or biased information, privacy concerns, over-reliance on AI-generated content and the absence of professional clinical judgement. It's important that AI is used as a support tool rather than a replacement for qualified healthcare professionals.

Should therapists tell clients they're using AI?

If AI is being used to process client information, for example, through an AI note-taking or medical scribe tool, therapists should consider the guidance from their professional body and ensure they obtain informed consent where appropriate. Transparency helps build trust and supports ethical practice.

Is AI a threat to private practice?

Many experts believe AI is more likely to change how therapists work than replace them. By automating repetitive administrative tasks, AI can free up more time for client care, while the therapeutic relationship remains something technology cannot replace.

‍