In this episode, Miranda Barker, LICSW, and Dr. Rachel Wood, a licensed counselor with a PhD in cyber psychology, dive into the fascinating intersection of psychology and technology.

They discuss the rise of AI tools like Character AI and AI therapists, and their impact on the mental health field. The conversation covers various aspects including the use of AI as a supplementary tool in therapy, the potential risks, privacy concerns, and how AI is shaping the future of mental health treatment.

They also address the misconception that AI could replace human therapists and emphasize the importance of balance and ethical use of these tools. This episode is a must-watch for mental health professionals and anyone interested in the evolving role of technology in mental health care.

Our Guest:

Dr. Rachel Wood has a PhD in cyberpsychology and is a licensed counselor. Rachel speaks fluently about mental health and the future of synthetic relationships. As the founder of the AI Mental Health Collective, she cultivates a community of therapists focused on AI’s impact both in practice and in society. Dr. Wood enjoys her work as a speaker, workshop facilitator, strategic consultant, and policy advisor.

Website for courses and AI policy work for clinicians:www.dr-rachelwood.com

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on LinkedIn.

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:28 Understanding Cyber Psychology

01:17 AI in Therapy: Current Trends

01:50 Concerns and Misconceptions About AI Therapy

03:31 The Rise of AI Companions

07:14 The Illusion of Intimacy with AI

09:28 Therapeutic Relationships vs. AI Interactions

19:41 Ethical and Privacy Concerns

26:51 The Future of Therapy and AI

40:19 Conclusion and Resources