Artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of ChatGPT is already being mentioned in many therapy rooms. ChatGPT is free to consumers who wish to get information from simple to complex, providing explanations and sources; writing emails, reports, stories, or poems; proofreading, editing, and simplifying written tasks; brainstorming solutions; translating text from one language to another, engaging in lighthearted banter and tell jokes; reading text out loud and much more. It offers tremendous potential to enhance our understanding of mental well-being but can create an equal number of problems, of which manipulation is not the least, albeit couched in terms such as “persuasion.” Mental health professionals are crucial in navigating this dual edge of AI, ensuring ethical and responsible use in everyday exchanges between clients or patients and other people in their worlds. Let’s delve into the ethical dilemmas and practical solutions, including real-world examples, essential for all clinicians dealing with AI in mental health.
1. Employers. Tightrope Between Support & Privacy Related to AI in Mental Health
Challenge. Employers may utilize AI to monitor employees’ mental well-being, which can lead to privacy concerns and undue stress. Moreover, AI may be employed for selecting job candidates, potentially introducing biases.
Solution. Mental health professionals can educate employers and employees on the ethical use of AI in mental health while in the workplace or when working from home. They can emphasize the need for employers to respect employees’ privacy and well-being. Similarly, they can encourage employees to have health boundaries around the use of AI.
Therapists can also encourage transparency in AI utilization and suggest regular communication to address concerns. Job seekers should also be aware of AI-driven selection processes and ensure their applications and interviews accurately reflect their qualifications.
2. Parents. Building Trust with AI and Teenagers
Challenge. Parents may use AI to gain insights into their teenagers’ emotions, potentially straining trust within the family.
Solution. Mental health professionals can guide parents in fostering trust and communication with their teenagers. Encourage open conversations about AI use, respect personal boundaries, and seek alternative ways to connect with teenagers.
3. Spouses. Maintaining Privacy in Relationships
Challenge. Spouses may use AI to analyze each other’s behavior, risking privacy breaches and manipulation.
Solution. Mental health professionals can counsel couples on healthy communication and relationship trust. Address the ethical concerns of AI usage within partnerships, emphasizing the importance of consent and open dialogue.
4. Homeowners. Transparent AI in Domestic Services
Challenge. Homeowners may use AI for surveillance or task management with domestic staff, raising privacy concerns.
Solution. Mental health professionals can advocate for transparency in AI use within domestic settings. Encourage homeowners to establish clear expectations and consent for AI involvement, promoting respectful communication between homeowners and staff.
5. Children & Teenagers. Responsible Use of AI
Challenge. Teenagers may use AI to manipulate parents, teachers, babysitters, siblings, or peers.
Solution. Mental health professionals can educate children & teenagers about responsible AI use. By highlighting the real-life impacts of manipulation, they can help teenagers make informed and ethical choices in their interactions with teachers, babysitters, and peers.
Emphasize the importance of ethical behavior
