Washington therapists, we want to talk to you about AI

The growth of artificial intelligence has sparked a debate among therapists: Are new tools a way to save time on documentation, or a potential confidentiality violation?

A range of new AI tools marketed to therapists advertise the ability to record sessions, write clinical notes and even create treatment plans. Companies developing the tools argue they can streamline administrative work and billing, leaving therapists more time to see patients.

But the use of artificial intelligence to record therapy sessions also raises questions about ethics, compliance with medical privacy laws and clients' informed consent.

In a March survey of more than 770 professional counselors, 45% said they had used an AI platform in their professional practice, most commonly for taking clinical notes and performing administrative tasks. In a separate survey of marriage and family therapists, 85% said they expected to be using AI tools within the next five years.

The Seattle Times is hoping to talk with mental health providers in Washington about how they are - or aren't - using artificial intelligence as part of their therapy practice.

If you fill out the form below, a reporter may follow up with you. We won't publish your name or submission without your explicit permission.

If you're using a mobile device and can't see the form below, click here.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.