AI in the Therapy Room: A Clinical Overview of Chatbots, Companionship, and AI-Associated Harm (Virtual CE Event)

Artificial Intelligence is quickly integrating into society, including in the areas of mental, emotional, and physical health. As AI tools and chatbots become more widely used and normalized, they are becoming increasingly embedded in the emotional and relational lives of our clients. Therapists are more frequently encountering clients who use chatbots for therapeutic purposes, emotional support, and even as personal companions. This webinar provides an overview of how AI is now affecting client mental health and relationships, using examples of relevant current events and publicly reported cases from this past year. Participants will examine the primary ways AI is changing clinical needs, including AI-associated mental or emotional harm, AI-companionship, and the use of AI for 'self-therapy' outside of sessions. We will also review emerging ethical issues and new state standards for practitioners. By attending, clinicians will widen their scope of competence and improve their understanding of the broader impact of AI on mental health. Participants will leave with specific assessment questions for these emerging issues, as well as strategies for how to conceptualize these new use cases within the therapeutic setting.

Earn (2) CE Credits

This course meets the qualifications for 2 of hours continuing education credits for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Educational Goal:

1.  Describe three emerging clinical issues resulting from client AI-use that are now entering the therapy setting. 

2. Identify two new assessment questions that can help therapists screen for AI-associated mental or emotional harm.

3. TBA

Learning Outcomes:

1. TBA.

2. TBA.

June Thompson MFT (she)