Ethics, AI, and Therapists

Ethics are so important to therapists -- and to the clients that receive therapy from them. At Quill, upholding those ethics (and doing no harm to the therapeutic relationship) is our top priority.

Articles about Ethics

May 7, 2026

Therapy Session Privacy

Therapists and clients should have easy access to information on the risks and downsides of recording, transcribing, and AI in their therapy sessions. TherapySessionPrivacy.org is a new resource to help with that.


April 28, 2026

Transcribing Requires Recording

Regardless of the marketing lingo, if an AI tool is using a transcription of a therapy session, that means the therapy session was recorded first. Companies are making this confusing for therapists, clients, and even the EHR employees themselves, as reflected in this conversation we had at the recent ACA conference.


April 22, 2026

Words Matter

AI tools that are present in the therapy session should be described accurately: A third-party service is recording, transcribing, and processing the conversation between therapist and client.


April 15, 2026

Our Message Resonates with Therapists

Therapists don't want to cut corners when it comes to ethics and privacy and the therapeutic relationship. We've updated our website messaging to emphasize that you don't have to make these sacrifices to still save time on writing notes.


April 14, 2026

Is this "informed consent"?

Here's an example of how clinicians are avoiding the conversation around their desire to record sessions to speed up notes -- and ultimately, avoiding truly informed consent.


April 11, 2026

ACA Conference: Day 3

Our third and final day at the American Counseling Association conference was... also wonderful!


April 10, 2026

ACA Conference: Day 2

Wow, what a day filled with wonderful conversations with therapists.


April 8, 2026

Therapy Is Human

The silence, the voices, the connection, the experience -- therapy works because of the humans in the room. AI can't replace that.


Feb. 4, 2026

How Quill Works

Take a look at these four simple steps to understand how Quill can help therapists write their therapy notes... without recording or transcribing or using AI during sessions.


Feb. 3, 2026

False Sense of Security

Other AI note and documentation tools often use reassuring language that obscures real risks to therapists and clients. Here's what to look for beyond the marketing.


Jan. 19, 2026

Your Perspective as a Therapy Client

If you see a therapist, how do you feel about having your sessions recorded and transcribed? We'd love to have you contribute to this important conversation.


Jan. 13, 2026

Why do you choose to not record therapy sessions?

Given the other AI documentation tools and features that exist, why do you continue to say no to recording therapy sessions? We want to hear from you.


Oct. 14, 2025

The VC Problem in Mental Health Tech

Therapy is built on trust. Venture capital is built on growth. Those two things don't always belong in the same room.


July 11, 2025

Honest Conversations about AI Tools

Some AI tools for therapists are reshaping therapy in ways that aren’t being clearly disclosed, especially around recording of therapy sessions. It’s time for more honest conversations -- and better options.


June 26, 2025

Clients' Thoughts on AI and Recording Sessions

A recent Reddit post was enlightening as to clients' anonymous views on therapists recording their sessions. And the overwhelming response was: No, do not record our sessions.


May 14, 2025

Recording Sessions Isn’t the Answer

There’s a growing push to record therapy sessions for documentation. But it's not the answer to therapists' documentation problems. And privacy and trust are worth protecting.


April 11, 2025

Your Data Is Never Used to Train AI

When it comes to the data you provide to Quill, we don’t keep it, we don’t study it, and we don’t share it. Quill's AI helps write your notes and then forgets everything.


April 7, 2025

Recording Therapy Sessions: Client Consent Isn’t Enough

Recording therapy sessions might seem convenient, but it creates lasting risks that clients carry long after the session ends. Even with consent, the responsibility belongs to the therapist -- although the consequences impact the client most of all.


March 27, 2025

Robots Haven't Replaced Surgeons. AI Shouldn't Replace Therapists.

Despite having surgical robots for decades, we still have surgeons. So why are we so excited about this concept of AI replacing therapists?


March 17, 2025

Keeping Therapy Sessions Private

Therapists and clients both have a role in protecting privacy. It’s not just about signing consent forms -- it’s about making informed choices and having open conversations about confidentiality.


Feb. 24, 2025

The Problem with "Ambient Listening"

"Ambient listening" is a misleading term for recording client sessions, and therapists (and clients!) should think carefully about the privacy and ethical implications. (Quill does not listen to or record sessions at all, unlike other AI note writing tools.)


July 8, 2024

Navigating AI as a Therapist

AI tools that record therapy sessions can compromise privacy and ethics, impacting the therapeutic relationship. A more effective approach leverages the therapist's expertise to ensure progress notes are accurate and maintain the integrity of the therapeutic process.


Reviews for Quill about Ethics

"Quill is great because it aligns with my ethics and is a helpful clinical translator for my dictation. Recent upgrades have been impressive!"

- Therapist, LMFT


"Quill has proven to be an exceptionally simple and intuitive tool, especially considering its $20‑per‑month price point. A yearly subscription option with a discounted rate would be a welcome addition, but even without it, the value is clear.

Since incorporating Quill into my workflow, my anxiety about the wording and structure of my notes has decreased significantly. Being able to speak naturally and have Quill transform my dictation into a polished, professional note has streamlined my documentation process in a meaningful way. One of the major advantages for me is that Quill does not record sessions or store audio to train its AI. That commitment to privacy provides genuine peace of mind and aligns with the ethical boundaries I maintain in my practice.

I have already recommended Quill to a colleague who struggles to keep up with notes due to a demanding schedule, and I anticipate continuing to recommend Quill. Quill has also increased my overall efficiency, allowing me to see more clients without falling behind on documentation. At this time, I have no complaints and consider it a highly effective tool for clinicians seeking a straightforward, reliable note‑taking solution."

- Therapist, PLMHP


"I never thought I'd find an AI based tool that met my ethical standards (i.e. no in-vivo recording that is held in the Cloud, a separate platform not tied to TherapyAppointment, minimal assumptions and doesn't guess). I've promoted this tool with two colleagues who had the same ethical concerns as me and they are now fans of Quill as well. You're truly a wonderful service for me in terms of time saving, in lessening my avoidance of charting, and in improving my overall work satisfaction. (I won't even tell you how far behind I used to get in electronic submission even though my paper notes taken in session were very good!)"

- Therapist, PhD, LMFT


"I've only used Quill for about a week, and I'm SO excited about it! It has already shifted my mental fatigue at the end of my work day. Not only has it saved me time on documentation, but it has an unexpected benefit of increased energy. I'm extremely grateful that you've created this wonderful tool that uses AI in a way that still upholds confidentiality and my ethics and values as a therapist."

- Therapist, MS, LMHC


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