Do all therapists record sessions?

Every therapist HuffPost spoke to noted that recording therapy sessions is not a common practice for clients. “Some clients may take notes, but recording is not something that happens a lot,” said Nicole M. “Some therapists may record sessions, but that is with client knowledge and permission.”

Do therapists take notes during sessions?

Therapists may want to jot down a few notes for supervision about key interventions they made or themes that the patient brought up. These notes, however, are best done after the session before the next patient arrives or later in the day.”

Is recording therapy illegal?

A therapist does not have a legal or ethical obligation to allow a client to record sessions. Therefore, it is solely within the therapist’s discretion as to whether to allow recordings of sessions. Clients would be able to use the recordings to process what was said during therapy or practice skills acquired.

Is online therapy recorded?

No, to ensure privacy and security of data, Amwell therapy sessions are neither recorded nor stored.

How long should a therapist keep records for?

We would recommend that you keep your client records for at least 7 years from the date of the last treatment. If you have concerns about any clients, or in the case of a minor, it’s best to keep them indefinitely. If you dispose of any paper records, you should shred them or burn them safely.

Can I ask to see therapists notes?

That’s right: Access to your therapist’s notes is your right (note: laws vary state by state and if it would be harmful to you for any reason, the therapist is allowed to provide a summary). But many people don’t ask for them. And many clinicians shy away from sharing.

Is it OK to record people?

California is an all-party consent state. It is illegal to record a confidential conversation, including private conversations or telephone calls, without consent in California.

How do therapists record sessions with clients?

Some therapists to make audio recordings of sessions and send the session record home with the client to listen to them between sessions. Other therapists do not share the recordings with clients.

Is it legal to record a therapy session without consent?

There is no legal statute that prohibits a client from recording a therapy session and there is no legal statute that says a client has to get the consent of the therapist to record a session. A counseling office’s “policies” are not the law. So record away if you think it will help you.

What happens to the video after a therapy session?

Some therapists like to review the video afterwards to make notes about the session. It is also used in combination with a supervisor to evaluate where the therapist could have done something different or more effective at certain times. Most places that record have a policy to delete the recording within two weeks.

What are the benefits of recording sessions?

Recorded sessions can be a training tool for therapists to review their work with clinical supervisors and meet requirements for evidence-based treatment practices. Such recordings are generally obtained with client consent, securely stored and destroyed after use.