Is it ethical for therapists to use AI?
AI has been increasingly integrated into healthcare settings, including use in mental and behavioral health settings.
However, since so much is still unknown about AI, there are many ethical considerations and potential risks associated with the use of AI in mental health care.
The APA recently released guidelines for AI use for psychologists. These only apply to psychologists (not other mental health professionals); however, they may be good guidance for other professionals whose governing board has yet to release guidelines.
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The integration of AI in mental health care has introduced both promising benefits and significant ethical challenges. The American Psychological Association’s 2025 "Ethical Guidance for AI in the Professional Practice of Health Service Psychology" serves as a foundational resource for psychologists and other mental health professionals navigating this evolving landscape. One of the core ethical obligations highlighted is transparency alongside informed consent. Mental health professionals must clearly communicate the involvement and purpose of AI tools to clients in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways. Clients should understand the potential benefits, risks, and have the option to opt out of AI use, ensuring respect for patient autonomy and agency. Mitigating bias and promoting equity in AI applications are crucial due to the potential for AI systems to perpetuate disparities if trained on non-representative datasets. Psychologists are encouraged to participate in efforts to develop high-quality, diverse datasets that encompass various lived experiences to reduce discrimination risks and promote inclusiveness. Accuracy and the prevention of misinformation are paramount. AI tools should undergo rigorous validation before clinical application, and mental health practitioners must critically assess AI-generated content for quality and relevance, discontinuing use of systems that propagate misinformation. Maintaining human oversight and professional judgment remains essential. AI should augment, not replace, clinical decision-making. Psychologists hold ultimate responsibility for client care, ensuring AI insights are carefully reviewed and integrated within the context of professional standards and research evidence. Liability and ethical responsibilities are emerging concerns, as laws and regulations continue to evolve alongside AI technology. Continuous education about legal and ethical considerations specific to AI use in behavioral health is advised to manage associated risks effectively. Overall, ethical AI use in therapy prioritizes patient safety, confidentiality, and equity, emphasizing that AI is a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human expertise. Adhering to these principles can enhance clinical outcomes while safeguarding client welfare in an AI-enhanced mental health care environment. For full guidelines, the APA’s official publication is accessible at https://www.apa.org/topics/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning/ethical-guidance-professional-practice.pdf.
