AI is everywhere right now. From writing emails to brainstorming content, many of us are already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT in our businesses.
But what about using AI inside your therapy practice?
In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel talks with Maria Szandrach, co-founder of Mentalyc, about how AI can responsibly support clinicians — especially when it comes to documentation, insurance-ready notes, and tracking client progress — without replacing the human connection that makes therapy work.
If you’ve been curious about AI but also cautious, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what’s helpful, what’s risky, and what the future might hold.
This Episode Answers…
1. How can AI actually support therapists without replacing them?
AI is particularly helpful for documentation, summarizing session content, tracking patterns over time, and identifying clinical insights from data. By removing the burden of note-taking and helping therapists spot trends in symptoms or therapeutic alliance, AI can enhance — and not replace — clinical work.
2. Is AI therapy ethical — or risky?
AI-based therapy tools are controversial for good reason. While they may be helpful for light psychoeducation or minor concerns, they carry risks for complex trauma, dependency issues, and deeper relational work. The consensus in this conversation: AI can assist clinicians, but it should not replace human therapy.
3. What does “insurance-ready documentation” actually mean?
Insurance documentation isn’t just about writing a note. It requires medical necessity, clear symptom tracking, DSM-aligned language, correct CPT codes, and compliance with changing payer requirements. AI can help ensure those boxes are checked so clinicians aren’t at risk of denied claims — even if writing highly technical documentation isn’t their strength.
Other Key Takeaways:
- AI is exceptionally strong at pattern recognition and summarization.
- Note-taking tools can improve therapeutic presence by reducing the need to jot things down during session.
- Tracking client progress from session data may reduce reliance on extra questionnaires.
- Healthcare typically adopts new technology more slowly due to privacy and regulatory concerns.
- The rapid rise of AI startups means therapists need to evaluate tools carefully — especially around data security.
Links mentioned in this episode:
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This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors:
Zanda practice management software is excited to partner with Private Practice Elevation Podcast to support practitioners with simple, secure tools that reduce admin and strengthen practice operations. Together, we’re helping practitioners spend less time on paperwork and more time with clients.
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Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.
Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.
About Maria Szandrach
Maria is an experienced entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience and an MSc degree from London Business School. She co-founded Mentalyc as her third startup (the previous ones were solving problems in the Mental Health and Insurance industries). As a teenager, Maria went to therapy for an eating disorder. She switched therapists 5 times before she eventually recovered. She devoted her career to making therapy more effective and efficient.
Nowadays Maria spends most of her days talking to clinicians, other entrepreneurs, and decision-makers in various mental health organizations. She had a deep insight into what is happening in the industry, especially when it comes to tools and technologies available to clinicians. She regularly reads academic papers and publications regarding new treatments and therapies and follows the newest advancements in AI that could empower clinical work. As an experienced entrepreneur and ex-McKinsey consultant, she has a unique perspective and deep understanding of what is possible and economically viable when it comes to the future of technology in mental health.
As an ex-patient, she deeply values therapeutic relationships and therapy as such. She aims at making clinical work more rewarding and less stressful, the connection between clients and clinicians less disturbed, and the intuitively applied interventions recognized for their therapeutic impact.
About Daniel Fava
Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing.
Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he’s not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.
