Therapists need efficient documentation without compromising client confidentiality. Local transcription offers a path to both.
The Documentation Burden
Therapists spend hours on progress notes and session documentation. Voice dictation can cut this time significantly, but standard cloud transcription raises privacy concerns.
HIPAA Considerations
- Cloud services: Require BAA (Business Associate Agreement)
- Data transmission: PHI sent over internet raises risk
- Data storage: Third-party servers create liability
- Local processing: PHI never leaves your device
Why Local Transcription
When audio is processed entirely on your computer, there's no transmission to secure, no third-party storage to worry about. The simplest security is keeping data local.
Workflow for Session Notes
- After session, dictate your notes privately
- Transcribe locally on your Mac
- Review and edit the transcript
- Copy into your EHR system
- Delete the audio recording
What to Dictate
- Session summaries and observations
- Treatment plan updates
- Progress toward goals
- Intervention notes
- Risk assessments
Best Practices
- Dictate in a private space
- Use client initials or codes, not full names
- Delete recordings immediately after transcription
- Encrypt your Mac's drive (FileVault)
Private by Design
Sotto processes everything locally. No cloud, no transmission, no third parties. $29 once.
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