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Asking client consent to record

Resources for sensitively approaching the conversation of recording sessions with your clients.

Paul Salvatore avatar
Written by Paul Salvatore
Updated over 2 months ago

Suggested conversation template

“I’d like to ask your permission to use an AI assistant called Tenor in our sessions. It’s designed by therapists to make care more effective and personalized.

Tenor securely records, transcribes, and analyzes our sessions. This means I can be more present with you instead of taking extensive notes, maintain continuity between sessions, track progress over time, and develop evidence-based treatment ideas tailored to you.

You’re always in control — you can opt out of recording at any time or request that transcripts be deleted immediately after notes are made.

Your privacy is my priority. Tenor is HIPAA-compliant, never uses your data to train AI models, and all information is handled just like an electronic health record.

I think of Tenor like the way doctors use AI to review medical scans — it’s a second set of eyes that helps ensure nothing important is missed and that your treatment is as informed and effective as possible. Would you be comfortable with me using it in our sessions?”

Benefits of using Tenor

When discussing recording with clients, it helps to explain the specific benefits they'll receive. Recording sessions enables:

For clients

  • Increased therapist presence – You can be fully focused on your client rather than dividing attention with note-taking

  • Capturing key moments – You can identify exact quotes and important realizations to revisit in future sessions

  • Detailed session recaps – You can send clients comprehensive summaries that foster reflection after each session using our “summary for clients” feature

  • More active participation – Recording reinforces key insights and empowers clients in their healing journey

For clinicians

  • Improved recall of important details and nuances

  • Stronger therapeutic rapport through more present-focused interactions

  • Valuable learning tool for supervision and professional development

  • Enhanced documentation for treatment planning and progress tracking

Addressing common client concerns

When discussing recording with clients, you might encounter these common concerns:

  • Privacy worries – Reassure clients that Tenor stores data in a HIPAA-compliant way and that recordings are deleted immediately after transcription

  • Fear of judgment – Explain that recordings are for therapeutic benefit, not evaluation

  • Concerns about openness – Share research showing most clients adjust quickly and maintain authentic engagement

  • Questions about necessity – Highlight specific ways recording will enhance your work together

Documenting consent

Clients must provide written consent before you begin recording sessions. Tenor makes this process simple with our digital consent workflow:

  1. Send the consent form - Email your clients Tenor's professionally-crafted consent form directly from your Tenor home page

  2. Receive client signature - When your client electronically signs the form, the completed PDF will be automatically sent to your email

  3. Store in your system - Upload the PDF to your EHR to maintain proper documentation

This streamlined process eliminates paperwork while ensuring proper compliance. For practices with specific requirements, you're welcome to customize our template form to suit your needs.

Note: Tenor does not store the signed consent form in our system, which protects client privacy and supports the use of pseudonyms in our platform.

Consent requirements

For valid recording consent documentation:

  • It must be in writing with an authentic signature

  • It should clearly explain how recordings will be used

  • It must be stored securely in your EHR system

  • It should specify that consent can be withdrawn at any time

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