#deidentifieddata — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

DATE: June 12, 2026 at 08:05AM
SOURCE: PsiAN Psychotherapy Action Network

TITLE: SimplePractice's New AI Data Retention Policy: What Therapists Need to Know

URL: https://www.psian.org/blog/simplepractice-ai-data-retention

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into mental health practice, therapists are being asked to make important decisions about privacy, consent, and the use of clinical information. A recent announcement from SimplePractice highlights just how quickly these conversations are evolving.

Beginning June 16, 2026, SimplePractice will retain transcripts generated through its AI-powered Note Taker feature. According to the company, these transcripts will first undergo a de-identification process that removes all 18 HIPAA Safe Harbor identifiers, such as names, email addresses, medical record numbers, and other personally identifying information. The company also states that the transcripts will be "de-coupled," meaning they can no longer be linked back to either the clinician or client. Clinicians who use Note Taker will have options to opt out at multiple levels, including for their entire caseload, individual clients, or specific sessions.

Despite these assurances, it has been shown that de-identified or anonymized data can be identifiable. Further, amassing data, especially that which is historically confidential and private, can be a valuable asset to corporations. While therapists may treat patients’ thoughts, feelings, and vulnerable disclosures with the utmost respect for confidentiality and privacy, corporations are likely to view them as a monetizable asset.

Indeed, SimplePractice says the purpose of retaining this data is to improve its current and future AI tools.

Why This MattersFor many therapists, the issue is not simply whether data is technically compliant with HIPAA requirements. Privacy, confidentiality, and boundary and safety issues are much more complex and nuanced. Questions remain about informed consent, transparency, future uses of data, re-identification risks, and the broader role of AI and monitoring of what clients share and disclose in psychotherapy.

Therapy records contain uniquely sensitive information. Even when data is de-identified, some therapists and privacy advocates continue to debate whether clients fully understand how their information may contribute to the development of commercial technologies.

Questions Therapists May Want to ConsiderAs clinicians are presented with AI-assisted documentation tools, and platforms move to make these tools more common or even their default option, clinicians should reflect on several questions:

•Am I comfortable with de-identified session information from my therapy sessions being used to improve commercial AI products?

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•How do I evaluate the company’s claims about de-identification, privacy protection, and data governance?

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•What policies should my practice establish regarding AI tools and client data, especially when using SimplePractice or other tools?

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•If I decide I’m going to use AI-assisted note-taking, how do I explain my decision to clients in a way that ensures their informed consent?

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•At what point would I decide that the risks to patient care are no longer worth the documentation benefits?

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An Ongoing ConversationSimplePractice's announcement is part of a much larger discussion occurring throughout the mental health field. As practice management platforms, electronic health records, and AI-powered documentation tools continue to evolve, and the companies marketing these tools continue to try to consolidate more power and increase their capture of client data, therapists will increasingly be asked to manage patient privacy, ethical, and clinical considerations in new and complex ways.

Psychotherapy Action Network encourages practitioners to stay informed, carefully review the policies of any technology they use, and engage in ongoing dialogue about how innovation can be balanced with the profession's commitment to client trust and confidentiality.

Join UsIf these issues matter to you, consider joining Psychotherapy Action Network. Your membership helps support advocacy efforts that protect psychotherapy, patient privacy, and access to meaningful mental health care.

URL: https://www.psian.org/blog/simplepractice-ai-data-retention

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The Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN) advocates for awareness, policies and access to psychotherapies that create meaningful change. They offer membership and educational events.

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