Abundant Practice Podcast Episode #695: AI Use In Private Practice, feat. Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey
Oct 15, 2025
Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey, a healthcare and documentation expert at QAPrep.com, dives into the rapidly changing landscape of AI in therapy. She highlights crucial ethical considerations around AI use, emphasizing the need for transparency and informed consent. Dr. McCaffrey also discusses HIPAA compliance, warning against using public AI for sensitive client notes. With updates on recent state legislation and tips for vetting AI vendors, she equips therapists with practical advice to enhance client care while ensuring security.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Eases Documentation And Admin Tasks
- Clinicians most commonly use AI for documentation because it solves a major pain point quickly.
- AI also helps with business templates, blog posts, and resource synthesis to save clinician time.
Never Use Public Chatbots For Client PHI
- Do not input identifiable client data into public AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude.
- Use only HIPAA-secure vendors with a Business Associate Agreement for client records and documentation.
Progress Notes Are Inherently Identifying
- Progress notes inherently contain identifying characteristics under HIPAA.
- Therefore de-identifying notes for use in public AI platforms is not compliant or safe.