Ethical considerations for the use of AI by therapists: Distinguishing between “should,” “shouldn’t,

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of the public consciousness and is increasingly popular for managing everyday tasks. Like other industries, the field of therapy is seeing opportunities for AI integration, with some tech companies specifically targeting its use in therapy. With this emerging technology, therapists are asking important questions: What kinds of activities are acceptable as therapists, given our need and desire to adhere to ethical codes and laws? Are there tasks that AI can take off our proverbial plates, freeing us to focus on more critical aspects of client care? How can we use the best that AI has to offer to enhance services to our clients? AI is a tool like other technologies and how we decide to configure, utilize, and harness the power of AI tools is up to us. 

This hands-on, interactive session will explore how AI can be used as a tool to enhance therapeutic services, while still adhering to ethical guidelines. It is designed to be useful to MFTs who are new to AI, as well as therapists who have some experience with AI tools. Together, we will grapple with how to use AI safely and in alignment with our profession’s ethical and legal mandates.

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Learning Objectives

  1. Participants will learn what artificial intelligence (AI) is and how it can be relevant to our work as therapists.
  2. Participants will learn about recent projects that connect AI with therapy and explore existing tools.
  3. Participants will be able to identify ethical concerns and learn a process for determining appropriate next steps.

Dr. Heather Hessel, LMFT

Dr. Heather Hessel, Ph.D., LMFT, is an Assistant Professor in Marriage & Family Therapy and Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Her research interests include the young adult life stage, extended family relationships, and the role of technology in family relationships and in the therapy space. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Approved Supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Dr. Hessel's clinical interests include parent-child relationships, mindfulness, and Buddhist Psychology.

Dr. Kevin (Somi) Hynes (Kang)

Dr. Kevin Hynes is a faculty member in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Their program of research focuses on disparities in mental health outcomes with minority populations and the utilization of technology for therapists. They are a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Approved Supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Their clinical interests include work with marginalized and underserved populations, including ethic/racial minorities and the LGBTQ community.