AI Therapy is Already Here: An interview with Dr. Ben Caldwell

Curt and Katie interview Dr. Ben Caldwell about the state of Artificial Intelligence in therapy. We look at the “AI Therapists” that are already working as well as how they are being regulated (or not). We talk about how AI therapy chatbots are being received and likely next steps in innovation. We also explore what “human therapists” can do to protect their practices and address the influx of low cost, always available AI therapy.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we look at the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health

Our friend Dr. Ben Caldwell has been writing some articles on the current state of AI in therapy. We decided this information needed to come to the podcast, so we invited him back on the podcast.

What is the current state of AI in the therapy profession?

·      There are chatbots providing “therapy” or mental health support

·      Some apps are going the path of becoming registered as a medical device with the FDA, some are staying in the coaching space

Who is regulating AI therapy?

·      Licensing boards for “human therapists” may have no ability to regulate the use of the term therapy by apps, medical devices, or “AI therapists”

·      State legislators may be the avenue for regulation, but there may not be an appetite to do so

·      FDA can regulate apps that get registered as a medical device

Who wants AI therapy?

·      Clients or patients will seek out AI therapy as a very cost-effective and available option for mental health support, also AI therapists will not judge clients and will always remember what clients have said

·      Insurance providers will see AI therapy as a way to expand networks

·      Legislators will likely purchase AI therapy for state and county Medi-caid services as well as support expansion to address mental health shortages

·      Basically, everyone wants AI therapy except for human therapists

What are the concerns about AI therapy?

·      It is only approximating the relationship between therapist and client

·      An AI therapist doesn’t have morals and values, ethics

·      The apps are working only from manualized treatments

·      It may be only psychoeducation, without current ability for deeper work

What can therapists do to protect their practices now that AI therapy is here?

·      Make sure to vet any AI services or applications that you use

·      Shift to services that AI therapy doesn’t provide (like diagnosis, or more niche services with children, families, and couples)

·      Move to overseeing AI as an adjunct to therapy (i.e., “prescribe” a particular chatbot or AI therapist and check in with clients periodically or when the client is in crisis)

·      Work with AI therapy companies to train the AI therapists

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/