Artificial intelligence (AI) may be acceptable for taking non-sensitive business meeting notes or formatting documents may be fine, but AI for taking psychotherapy notes? While many behavioral counselors and clinicians may think, “Not so fast,” some therapists have already begun using these AI transcription tools.
Where Are Counselors & Teletherapists Getting AI Transcription Tools?
Artificial intelligence (AI) transcription software is increasingly being adopted by various Electronic Health Record (EHR) companies (see Hint Health and Meditech). Even closer to home for behavioral professionals, on October 3rd, 2023, a Zoom press release showcased the debut of their “AI Companion” software. The announcement touted the many benefits of transcribing, generating, and organizing ideas by using Zoom Whiteboard with their healthcare clients.1
Since our recent CME & CE course on ChatGPT legal and ethical issues, we at Telehealth.org have heard from numerous professionals who are concerned about their colleague’s early adoption of AI transcription without adequate thought as to the appropriateness of introducing such potentially intrusive technology into counseling and psychotherapy sessions via telehealth. It is also being used via a smartphone or tablet that is strategically positioned to capture sound in the therapist’s in-person office. Other Telehealth.org Learners have since voiced concern over the impact of this new technology on the therapeutic frame, which theoretically holds the therapeutic relationship. The article below, then, is a discussion of AI transcription for counselors and psychotherapists.
What is AI Transcription Software?
AI transcription software uses artificial intelligence to convert spoken language into written text. Relying on advanced speech recognition algorithms, it identifies words and phrases from spoken content. Modern tools can identify context, handle various accents and languages, and reduce background noise for clearer transcriptions. Additionally, they can auto-insert punctuation, format text, and sometimes distinguish between multiple speakers with timestamps. Compared to traditional transcription methods, AI-driven tools offer quicker results, often at a reduced cost, and are available on demand. They are so easy to use that turning them on with a single click is all that is required.
Case Study: Teletherapy with AI Transcription for Maggie
Is psychotherapy ready for transcription AI? Before jumping to conclusions, let’s consider a scenario describing a possible behavioral health application of transcription services in a case study with Ms. Ellis. We then will discuss the issues that surface.
Background
A 68-year-old retiree, Maggie recently explored teletherapy to cope with her isolation. Only recently becoming familiar with videoconferencing for healthcare, Maggie has never been in therapy. She opted for a therapist who conducted sessions over video because of her ambulatory issues and fear of falling.
Initial Session
Upon joining her first session, Maggie was immediately surprised to notice not just her therapist’s video image but also a tiny digital avatar in the corner of the screen. The avatar appeared as a friendly cartoon-like robot with soft blue clothing, animated eyes, and a notepad icon, indicating its function as a transcriptionist. Next to the avatar was a message: “AI transcription active. Your session is being transcribed for therapeutic review. Please ask your therapist if you have any concerns.”
Maggie’s Initial Reactions