Introduction
Date course created: September 2023
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool when used or deployed within certain boundaries (just like therapy!). But lately, AI has become….well, TOO intelligent. AI’s increasing capability has led to its expanding use in the mental healthcare space in the form of phone systems, bots, and chat engines that are beginning to assume roles that most argue are best assumed by a trained human provider. The struggle between increasing access to quality care while maintaining a well-regulated, safe, and ethical mental healthcare system is becoming more complex than we ever could have imagined!
In an increasingly digitalized world coupled with the post Covid-19 increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being accessed at increasing rates by individuals seeking behavioral health care services. The ethical implications of these services are alarming, as therapeutic interaction with phone applications and chatbots is not regulated by mental health licensing authorities as trained human providers are. These tools were initially intended to be used as an adjunct to primary care under human providers; however, the increased demand for services outweighing access to trained providers is resulting in AI quickly becoming stand-alone care for individuals with behavioral healthcare needs. This cutting-edge and timely ethics training will provide an overview of common uses of AI in therapy, its questionable increasing role in the delivery of mental healthcare, and ethical implications as AI becomes more intelligent, and more pervasive in society.
In addition to the below formal course objectives this workshop will include the following additions:
- A Mandatory Disclosure checklist that includes discussion with clients seeking services and using adjunct AI services.
- A discussion of the heightened risks involved in utilizing behavioral health care services that are not regulated by a code of ethics.
- A discussion of the importance of working with a clinical supervisor/clinical consultant and an information technology expert to navigate the clinical waters and to protect professional liability.
- Existing training opportunities related to to ethical practice using AI as an adjunct to traditional human therapy with clients.
This is a 2.5-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform.
Agenda
00:00 – 00:40 → Reality and Ethics of AI & Bots in Therapy
00:40 – 01:20 → Discussion of Risks and Scope of AI Use in Therapy
01:20 – 02:00 → Ethical Considerations
Objectives
This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:
After completing this training, participants will be able to define Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is being used with chatbots and phone applications as a primary therapist.- After completing this training, participants will be able to describe two ethical considerations that apply to the use of AI outside the bounds of ethics and the regulation of mental health practice.
- After completing this training, participants will be able to identify two aspects of mandatory disclosure regarding clients seeking behavioral health care services and utilizing adjunct AI-driven services.
Target Audience:
Clinical Mental Health Professionals such as Counselors, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.
Instructional Level: Intermediate
Instructor(s): Jodi Ann Geis-Crowder, MS, LPC, ACS
Material Author(s): Jodi Ann Geis-Crowder, MS, LPC, ACS
For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.
Course Materials & Delivery Method:
- Course Materials – The course is composed of a recorded presentation and written materials (e.g. a slide deck and/or other worksheets, manuals, or handouts as provided by the instructor). The slide deck and any additional worksheets or handouts (as provided by the instructor) are made available inside the Lesson module after a course is purchased.
- Delivery Method – This course is a recorded asynchronous, self-paced webinar training, and there is no access time limit or due date to complete it once enrolled. The enrolled learner will stream the recorded presentation and view the materials from their internet connected device via an industry-standard online learning platform.
CE Approvals:
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. DBA Online CE Credits, #1974, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: July 23, 2025 – July 23, 2028. Social workers completing this course receive 2.5 ethics continuing education credits.
Other Helpful Information:
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- Posttest Requirements – You must answer 80% or more of the Quiz questions correctly to pass. If you fail to pass the first time, you may attempt the quiz again until you are able to pass with a score of 80% or better. Quizzes are graded instantly and automatically by the learning management system once your attempt is submitted.
- Certificate of Completion – Certificates of Completion are automatically generated – downloadable from your Dashboard and emailed to you – once you view the Lesson Materials and complete the Quiz and the Course Evaluation.
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