TheraNest AI Session Assistant now supports in-person sessions

What’s new

Until recently, AI Session Assistant captured audio from telehealth sessions. Now it captures audio from the room as well. You can use a tablet, phone, or laptop placed on your desk to record the conversation, and the same process produces a SOAP note when the session ends.

In-person support has been the most requested change from clinicians already using AI Session Assistant. If you split your week between virtual and office sessions, you no longer need a different workflow for each. Documentation runs the same way regardless of where the session happens.

AI Session Assistant recently earned a Gold award in the Spring 2026 Digital Health Awards for Web-based Digital Health, an independent recognition from a program that honors the world’s best digital health resources.

“What’s impressed me is the detail it captures and its balanced, nuanced summaries. The system sees, understands, and correctly documents the clinical moves I’m offering — which frees me up to be more present for my clients.” 

Mark Richardson, LCSW

Fitting in-person recording into your day

Recording follows the session, wherever it happens. You start it when the session starts, pause it if you need a private moment with the client, and stop it when you’re done. The audio is processed, and a draft note appears in TheraNest once processing finishes.

A few notes:

• Place the recording device where it can pick up both voices clearly. Ambient noise affects transcription quality, the same way it would on a video call.

• Every draft is generated in SOAP format.

• You review and edit the draft before signing and saving.

Audio is automatically deleted 24 hours after the session, in line with TheraNest’s data handling standards.

Privacy, consent, and HIPAA considerations

In-person recording requires a clear consent step, and TheraNest handles it. Before the first AI-supported in-person session with each client, you walk through what’s recorded, what happens to the audio, and how long anything is retained. The consent is logged in the client’s record, so you have an audit trail.

The feature runs under the same Business Associate Agreement and HIPAA-aligned infrastructure that supports telehealth and the rest of TheraNest. If your state has consent or recording requirements beyond HIPAA, confirm those with your professional association or attorney before turning the feature on.

“I can finish all my notes in about 15 minutes, and I’m able to be more present with my clients instead of worrying about what I need to write down.”

Wendi Wilch, LCPC, Paradigms Counseling 

Bringing AI Session Assistant into your practice

If you’re evaluating TheraNest, and AI-supported documentation matters to you, in-person support means one workflow across your whole caseload, whether you see clients in the office, on video, or both. You can see how it works in a guided demo or try it in your own practice on a free trial.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need separate equipment for in-person recording?

A tablet, phone, or laptop placed on your desk is enough for most office setups. An external microphone can improve quality in larger rooms or when you and the client sit further apart.

How long is the audio stored?

Audio is used to generate the note and then deleted automatically after 24 hours. The note itself lives in the client’s chart in TheraNest.

What if a client declines to be recorded?

You document the session the way you always have. AI Session Assistant only runs when consent is on file, so there’s nothing to switch off on a case-by-case basis. If a client opts out, the feature simply doesn’t activate for their sessions, and you can revisit the conversation later if their comfort level changes.

Is there an additional cost for in-person support?

No. In-person sessions are included in AI Session Assistant at no additional cost. If you already have AI Session Assistant, you have access to in-person support.

Is AI Session Assistant HIPAA compliant?

Yes. TheraNest is a HIPAA-compliant platform, and AI Session Assistant is built within those same standards. Your clients’ PHI is never used to train the AI model, and session recordings are deleted automatically after notes are generated.

Does it work for in-person sessions, not just telehealth?

Yes, in-person session support is now live. AI Session Assistant works whether you see clients in your office, virtually, or both.

Do I need to switch my entire EHR to use AI Session Assistant?

AI Session Assistant is built into TheraNest, so if you’re using another EHR, yes, you’ll need to switch. The free 21-day trial lets you experience the full workflow before making any decisions about your current setup. If you’re already using TheraNest, you can enable it by navigating Settings > Manage Subscriptions.

How accurate are the AI-generated notes?

AI Session Assistant generates clinically-aware draft notes that therapists review and edit before signing. Most users report spending 10–15 minutes on review at the end of the day. The tool is designed to assist documentation, not replace clinical judgment.

What happens to session recordings after the note is created?

Session recordings are automatically deleted after note generation. They are not stored, shared, or used for AI training.

What does it cost after the 21-day trial?

After the trial, AI Session Assistant continues at 50% off for six months. No credit card is required to start.