AutoNotes Alternative for UK Therapists

AutoNotes is one of the AI therapy note tools often shared in UK counselling groups. It has a free tier, it is easy to use, and many people find the output useful. If you practise in the UK, the main thing to check is how it fits with UK GDPR, because it was built for the US market.

What AutoNotes says about client data

AutoNotes is run by AutoNotes AI, LLC, and its data residency is the United States. Its help centre says it signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with every customer who uses protected health information (PHI) in the app, and that PHI is permitted in the app. The restriction on submitting PHI in its terms of service applies to its public website, not the app.

A BAA is a US HIPAA document. It is not the same as a UK GDPR data processing agreement, and it does not by itself cover a transfer of UK personal data to the US.

What to ask if you're in the UK

Under UK GDPR, information about a real client is special category personal data, and pseudonymised details that could be linked back to a client still count. Before using any AI notes tool, including AutoNotes, ask:

• Will you sign a UK GDPR data processing agreement?
• Where is data stored, and where is it processed? If it goes outside the UK, which transfer mechanism applies (the UK-US data bridge for certified US companies, or the UK IDTA or Addendum)?
• How long are inputs, recordings and outputs kept, and are they used for training?
• Is there a privacy notice you can reference in your own?

Professional bodies expect you to keep records securely and lawfully, so it's worth having clear answers to these before you rely on any tool for client notes.

AutoNotes vs NoteSono

The workflow difference

AutoNotes typically works from a typed summary or pasted text, which the AI formats into a note.

NoteSono works from a voice or typed summary after the session. After your client leaves, you speak or type a short summary in your own words, and NoteSono drafts a clinical note in your chosen format for you to review. NoteSono does not record your sessions, and we don't keep your recording. The note is produced from your post-session summary, not from the session itself.

The verdict

AutoNotes is popular because it is easy and has a free tier, and it does support PHI under US arrangements. For a UK therapist, the open questions are UK GDPR terms and the transfer to the US, so ask AutoNotes about both before using it for client notes.

NoteSono is a UK-built alternative designed around UK GDPR, with a DPA provided and 20 clinical formats. Start free — 5 notes a month, no card, no time limit — with a 7-day trial of everything whenever you want it. Paid plans are £14.99 or £24.99 a month. Create a free account