AI by industry · Therapy practices
Client follow-up for therapists using AI
Therapists can follow up in three useful places: with people who inquired but never booked, with clients who miss a session, and with clients who have paused care. AI can send gentle, approved messages at the right time. Keep them short and kind, and leave out clinical details.
Talk through your practice with the person who builds it
A free 30-minute call. You leave knowing which part of your therapy practice to hand to AI first, what we would build, and roughly how long it takes.
The inquiry that went quiet
Someone reaches out, you reply, and then silence. A single warm follow-up a few days later, with no pressure, is often welcome. After that, let it rest.
Some therapists prefer all follow-ups to come from them personally. AI can still draft the message and queue it, so you only press send.
Missed sessions and pauses
A missed session can mean many things. A light message that says you noticed and the door is open respects the client. A cancellation fee, if you have one, is best handled by you personally.
Never include anything about the content of their therapy in a text or email.
Picture this
Examples of what it can look like. Illustrations, not clients.
An inquiry from last week gets a short note offering a call, once, and that is all.
A client skips a session. A message goes out saying you hope they are okay and offering a new time.
A client who paused months ago gets a gentle note you wrote, saying you are available if they want to return.
The rules that apply, in their own words
“A covered entity or business associate may not use or disclose protected health information, except as permitted or required by this subpart”
“header information that is materially false or materially misleading.”
Sources
- 15 U.S.C. § 7704 (CAN-SPAM Act): Rules for commercial email: honest headers, opt-out, address.
- 45 CFR § 164.502 (HIPAA Privacy Rule): When patient information may be used or shared, including by vendors.
- NIST AI Risk Management Framework: The U.S. standards body’s framework for using AI responsibly.
- 15 U.S.C. § 45 (FTC Act, Section 5): The federal ban on unfair or deceptive business practices, ads included.
Talk through your practice with the person who builds it
A free 30-minute call. You leave knowing which part of your therapy practice to hand to AI first, what we would build, and roughly how long it takes.
Questions
Can messages mention therapy?
Keep them neutral. Phones and inboxes get seen by others.
How many follow-ups are too many?
One or two for an inquiry. Beyond that, it can feel like pressure.
Is automated follow-up cold?
It can be warm if you write the wording. Many clients value a prompt, kind response.
More jobs AI can take on
What Westward builds for this
Follow up automatically: the same job in similar businesses