The Benefits and Ethical Considerations of Using AI as a Clinician
3.0 CEU's in Ethics
Presented by Jill Light, LPCC
Course CEDL.0168.3.0
Artificial intelligence (AI) is deeply integrated into modern technology, often without our conscious awareness. Its ubiquity has led to polarized reactions in professional settings: some avoid it entirely due to fear, while others adopt it without fully researching safety and ethical implications. In clinical practice, there is a common misconception that AI's utility is limited to administrative shortcuts, such as progress note generation—a practice that carries significant ethical risk. This training is designed to move beyond these assumptions, providing a clear review of the benefits, safety concerns, and ethical guidelines for responsibly integrating AI into therapy and treatment planning.
***Please note***: The unauthorized use of AI for client interaction, PHI, or documentation at The Counseling Source is prohibited. Our policies will be reviewed and updated regularly, and employees will be notified of any changes.
Learning Objectives:
- Define AI in a therapeutic context: Learners will be able to define key terms such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large language models, and differentiate between various types of AI applications used in mental health (e.g., chatbots, diagnostic support tools, administrative assistants).
- Identify the current and future landscape of AI in therapy: Learners will be able to describe the various ways AI is currently being used in mental health practice and anticipate potential future applications. This includes potential use in clinical documentation, research, and direct client care.
- Articulate the benefits of AI in therapy: Learners will be able to explain the potential benefits of using AI, such as increasing access to care, providing 24/7 support, assisting with administrative tasks, and identifying patterns in large datasets.
- Analyze ethical dilemmas: Learners will be able to identify and analyze the major ethical considerations associated with AI in therapy, including but not limited to: Privacy and confidentiality, Analyzing ethical dilemmas, Informed consent, Bias and equity, Human agency and responsibility, Understanding legal and regulatory issues, Evaluating AI tools, Developing a framework for responsible use, Analyzing case studies, Discussing the limitations and risks of AI, and Applying professional legal, and ethical guidelines.
3.0 hours of continuing education credit in Ethics will be available to those who complete the entire course presentation, take and pass the post-test (70% of questions, at a minimum, must be answered correctly), and complete a course evaluation.
