Abundant Practice Podcast Episode #736: What You Can Use AI For In Private Practice
Feb 28, 2026
Kim Wheeler-Poitevien, LCSW, a clinical social worker and Abundance consultant, discusses practical and ethical uses of AI in private practice. She covers informed consent and transparency, differences between HIPAA-compliant tools and general AI, pros for neurodivergent clinicians, and why AI should not replace the therapeutic relationship.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Disclose AI Use In Informed Consent
- Tell clients when you use AI and include it in your informed consent so they can opt out.
- Say it aloud in session like other policies, because signed forms often go unread and verbal clarity builds trust.
Kim Uses AI For Admin But Avoids Session Listening
- Kim uses AI for drafting canned admin responses and finds it helps with templates and task efficiency.
- She notes personal guilt about environmental impact and avoids real-time session listening tools out of caution.
Never Use Nonsecure Chatbots For PHI
- Avoid putting client-identifying information into general tools like ChatGPT because it's not secure or protected PHI.
- Use only AI note platforms that advertise and enforce HIPAA compliance for client-related content.