how I'm navigating the new frontier in mental health: ethical AI use
Like many of you, I’ve been watching the evolution of AI in both fascination and caution. From therapy apps to practice management systems, the intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health is no longer theoretical, it’s here. And as practice owners and clinicians, we can’t afford to look away.
Over the past year, I’ve been exploring how to ethically and responsibly integrate AI into my private practice. I’ve completed continuing education trainings, implemented new systems at Atlanta Wellness Collective, and begun training my team on what AI can (and should never) do in the context of clinical work.
Let’s start with the obvious:
AI isn’t going away.
But that doesn’t mean we should fear it.
In fact, when used mindfully, AI can be a powerful support tool (not a replacement) for our human-centered work.
I saw a quote recently that said, “Saying AI will replace mental health therapists is like saying massage chairs replaced massage therapists.”
Do you agree?
The goal isn’t to dehumanize care; it’s to free up more time, energy, and creative bandwidth to serve our clients and teams with excellence.
How We’re Using AI
Here are a few ways our team has thoughtfully incorporated AI into our practice operations:
➜ Psychoeducation Resource Brainstorming
We use AI to help generate ideas for our client resource library… worksheets, analogies, psychoeducational handouts, and more. These are always reviewed and edited by a clinician before use.
➜ Drafting Early Templates
AI assists us in writing first drafts of policies, forms, and training materials… saving time and reducing decision fatigue. Final drafts are always customized, human-reviewed, and ethically sound.
➜ Systems & Operations Support
AI has been a game-changer in building internal SOPs, streamlining onboarding content, and improving how we train and support new hires.
➜ Content Creation & Admin Efficiency
From social media outlines to internal newsletter drafts, AI supports our communication workflow, without replacing the heart and voice behind the message.
Where We Draw the Line
Just as important as how we use AI is how we don’t use it.
➜ Never (ever) input PHI (Protected Health Information).
➜ Never rely on AI for clinical judgment or diagnosis.
➜ Never allow it to replace human connection or therapeutic presence.
Our job is to protect the sacred nature of clinical work.
AI should support, not supplant, our ethics or intuition.
Tips for Clinicians & Practice Owners
If you’re curious about integrating AI into your practice but unsure where to start, here are a few guiding principles I recommend:
1. Keep Ethics First
Privacy and consent are non-negotiable. Never enter identifiable client information into AI platforms, and always follow HIPAA and licensing board guidelines.
2. Human Edit Everything
AI can help generate ideas and rough drafts, but your professional judgment, expertise, and tone must shape the final version. Always review, revise, and add your clinical lens.
3. Train Your Team
Don’t assume your team knows what’s okay to do with AI. Host training sessions and create internal guidelines. I’ve led multiple 1-hour trainings on ethical AI use and am happy to present this to other practices or groups.
4. Let AI Handle the Mundane
Use it for administrative support, repetitive tasks, or content generation that would otherwise eat up hours of your time. Reclaim your energy for what only you can do… healing, guiding, leading.
5. Stay Informed
AI is changing quickly. Review your policies regularly and stay plugged into updates from trusted professional sources. What’s ethical (or even legal) today may shift in a few months.
Let’s Lead This Conversation with Curiosity, Not Fear
AI is here to stay, but how we engage with it matters.
When we lead with intention, ethical awareness, and collaborative curiosity, we can shape the future of mental health practice in a way that honors both innovation and integrity.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
But the good news? You don’t have to navigate this frontier blindly.
Want to Go Deeper?
I’ll be diving into AI in clinical work, supervision, and telemental health during my upcoming:
➜ 6-Hour Ethics CE Webinar
➜ Live on Friday, August 22, 2025
➜ Or available later on-demand
➜ Approved for CPCS + Ethics CE hours
➜ Hosted by The Knowledge Tree
Register here ➜
Let’s lead with wisdom.
Let’s innovate with integrity.
Let’s keep the human heart at the center of everything we build.
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Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
