In this episode of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Prof. Munmun De Choudhury, J. Z. Liang Professor of Interactive Computing at Georgia Tech and a leading researcher in computational social science, human-computer interaction, and digital mental health. Her work focuses on understanding how digital technologies and online interactions shape mental health and well-being.

The conversation explores one of the biggest questions facing psychology today: How can we embrace AI in mental health without losing the human connection at the center of care?

Prof. De Choudhury explains why mental health is fundamentally a human experience and why AI should be viewed as a tool that enhances, not replaces, the work of psychologists. She discusses practical ways AI can support clinicians, from summarizing information and identifying insights to helping psychologists better understand aspects of a client's digital life.

The discussion also examines the rise of AI companions and "AI buddies," particularly among young people, and what these new forms of relationships could mean for human connection. Prof. De Choudhury highlights both the potential benefits and risks, including emotional overreliance and the possibility of developing unrealistic expectations about relationships.

The episode also explores her research into AI safety, cultural competency, language barriers, emotional overreliance, and using AI to encourage young people to seek appropriate mental health support. The conversation ultimately emphasizes the importance of AI literacy, responsible oversight, and ensuring that psychologists have a meaningful seat at the table when AI systems are designed and developed.

Takeaways:

-AI Should Enhance Human Connection, Not Replace It.

-Mental Health Is Fundamentally a Human Experience.

-AI Can Support Psychologists Without Replacing Their Clinical Expertise.

-AI Literacy Is Becoming Essential for Psychologists, Educators, and the Next Generation.

-Responsibility for AI Safety Must Be Shared Across Developers, Clinicians, Users, and Other Stakeholders.

-Psychologists Need a Seat at the Table When AI Systems Are Designed and Developed.

Connect with Prof. Munmun De Choudhury

Website: http://www.munmund.net/

Georgia Tech Profile: https://ic.gatech.edu/people/munmun-de-choudhury

Social Dynamics and Well-Being Lab: https://socweb.cc.gatech.edu/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: AI, Mental Health & Human Connection

02:14 - From Computer Science to AI During an AI Winter

05:01 - Why Human Connection Matters in Mental Health

09:40 - The Future of Psychologists Working With AI

13:18 - How AI Relationships May Affect Human Relationships

16:18 - AI, Cultural Competency & Language Barriers

19:45 - Why AI Literacy Needs to Be Part of Education

22:13 - Who Is Responsible When AI Causes Harm?

23:40 - Why Psychologists Need a Seat at the AI Development Table

26:08 - How AI Can Complement a Psychologist’s Expertise

29:57 - Final Advice: Take a Deep Breath, AI Is Here

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. John Gavazzi, board-certified clinical psychologist, ethics educator, and former President of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, to explore how psychologists can responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into clinical practice without compromising professional judgment or quality of care.

Drawing decades of experience in ethics, mental health law, and clinical decision-making, Dr. Gavazzi explains why AI should enhance, not replace, the thinking process of psychologists. He introduces the concept of "Think First, AI Second," arguing that clinicians must remain the originators of thought, using AI only after applying their own expertise and clinical reasoning.

The conversation explores the growing use of AI by both clinicians and clients, examining why people are turning to AI for emotional support, how psychologists can adapt when clients bring ChatGPT into therapy, and what must be preserved as AI becomes increasingly embedded in mental health care. Dr. Gavazzi also discusses cognitive offloading, automation bias, ethical accountability, AI literacy, and practical ways clinicians can redesign their workflows while maintaining professional competence.

Ultimately, this episode reinforces that while AI is becoming an invaluable tool for psychology, human connection, ethical responsibility, and clinical judgment remain irreplaceable.

Takeaways

• Psychologists Should Think First and Use AI Second.
• AI Can Support Clinical Work, But It Cannot Replace Human Judgment.
• Cognitive Offloading Can Weaken Clinical Skills Over Time.
• AI's Fluency Should Never Be Mistaken for Accuracy.
• Clients Are Already Bringing AI Into Therapy Sessions.

Connect with Dr. John Gavazzi

Website: ethicalpsychology.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johngavazzi

Email Address: [email protected]

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Chapters

00:00 - Intro

02:00 - Meet Dr. Gavazzi and His Background in Ethics & AI

03:36 - The "Think First, AI Second" Framework

07:10 - What Psychology Must Preserve in the Age of AI

09:12 - Simulated Empathy vs. Human Connection

12:00 - Can AI Really Show Empathy?

13:46 - The Risk of Cognitive Offloading

17:50 - Fluency Doesn't Mean Accuracy

20:00 - How Therapists Should Respond to Clients Using AI

22:57 - When Clients Bring ChatGPT into Therapy

24:50 - Teaching Future Psychologists to Work With AI

27:16 - How Much AI Knowledge Do Psychologists Need?

30:16 - Applying Ethics to AI in Clinical Practice

32:55 - Final Advice: Think First, AI Second

In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Zainab Iftikhar, a PhD candidate in Computer Science at Brown University whose research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and AI for mental health. As the first computer scientist featured on the podcast, Zainab offers a unique perspective on how mental health AI systems are designed, evaluated, and used in the real world.

The conversation explores why people turn to AI for emotional support, the benefits and risks of mental health chatbots, and what happens when users begin to rely on these systems in place of human connection. Zainab shares insights from her research on emotional dependency, therapeutic boundaries, and the challenges of building AI that supports well-being without causing harm.

The episode also examines the critical role of clinicians, researchers, and developers in shaping the future of mental health technology. Together, they discuss how AI can serve as a valuable support tool while preserving human relationships and clinical expertise that remain at the heart of effective care.

Takeaways:

• Human connection remains essential in therapy.
• AI is designed to agree with users.
• Overreliance on AI can create dependency.
• Long-term AI use deserves closer evaluation.
• Psychologists should help shape mental health AI.
• Safe AI requires clinician-developer collaboration.

Connect with Zainab Iftikhar

Website: https://zainabiftikhar.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:56 - Journey Into AI & Mental Health Research

04:30 - Evaluating AI in Mental Health Contexts

08:05 - How People Actually Use AI for Mental Health

11:30 - Designing Safer AI for Mental Health Use

14:06 - Role of Psychologist Collaboration in AI Design

16:07 - Evaluating Long AI Conversations vs Single Responses

21:30 - Will AI Replace Therapists?

25:47 - Example of AI Helping Emotional Regulation

28:41 - Final Tip: Challenge the AI’s Bias

In the Season 3 premiere of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde explores a question that is becoming increasingly urgent for psychologists, clinicians, educators, researchers, and organizational leaders: now that artificial intelligence is already part of our professional and personal lives, what is psychology responsible for?

Reflecting how the AI conversation has evolved over the past year, Dr. Wayde argues that the question is no longer whether AI is coming; it is already here. From clients consulting chatbots before therapy sessions to students using AI in education, clinicians leveraging AI for documentation, and researchers navigating new questions around authorship and integrity, AI is actively shaping the way psychological work is conducted.

This episode introduces the central framework that will guide Season 3: Preserve, Redesign, and Guide. Dr. Wayde examines which aspects of psychology must remain firmly rooted in human expertise, such as professional judgment, ethical accountability, and contextual understanding. He also challenges listeners to consider where traditional workflows may need to evolve as AI creates new opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

Takeaways:

• AI Is No Longer a Future Issue; It Is Already Part of Psychological Practice.
• Clients, Students, Researchers, and Clinicians Are Already Using AI in Meaningful Ways.
• The Greatest Risk May Be When AI Becomes Invisible in Everyday Workflows.
• Psychology Must Distinguish Between What Should Be Preserved and What Can Be Redesigned.
• AI Creates Opportunities to Improve Efficiency, Access, and Workflow Design.
• Psychologists Have a Responsibility to Guide AI Use Responsibly and Ethically.

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:50 - Why the Conversation About AI Has Changed

03:25 - Lessons from Season 2: Questions That Still Matter

05:27 - The Season 3 Framework: Preserve • Redesign • Guide

8:09 - Using AI to Improve Effectiveness and Efficiency

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer, learning scientist, educator, and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming education, writing, critical thinking, and the future of learning.

Dr. David Williamson Shaffer shares his journey from classroom teacher to leading researcher in learning analytics and AI in education. He reflects on how the rise of computers, the internet, and now generative AI have fundamentally changed the way humans think, learn, and interact with information.

The conversation explores why traditional education systems may no longer fit a world shaped by AI, how educators can rethink assignments and classroom learning, and why the goal should not be preventing AI use but teaching students how to collaborate with it responsibly. He also discusses the importance of critical thinking, ethical AI use, AI literacy, and why learning with technology may matter more than learning without it.

The episode also dives into practical examples of AI in classrooms, the risks of overreliance on AI, responsible use in academic writing and research, and why educators, clinicians, and researchers must actively engage with AI instead of avoiding it.

Takeaways:

• AI Is Reshaping How Humans Learn, Think, and Solve Problems.
• Traditional Education Models Were Not Designed for an AI-Driven World.
• The Goal Should Be Learning How to Work With AI, Not Simply Avoiding It.
• Critical Thinking Matters More Than Ever in the Age of Generative AI.
• Students Need Opportunities to Use AI Responsibly and Reflectively.
• Educators Cannot Be Expected to Solve AI Challenges Alone Without Systemic Support.
• AI Literacy Is Becoming Essential for Teachers, Researchers, Clinicians, and Students.
• Technology Should Expand Human Capability Rather Than Replace Human Judgment.

Connect with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer

Website: https://edpsych.education.wisc.edu/fac-staff/williamson-shaffer-david/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:33 - From Teacher to AI & Learning Science Researcher

06:00 - How AI Is Disrupting Education

10:03 - Why Predicting AI’s Future Is Nearly Impossible

11:19 - Understanding “Pedagogical Content Knowledge”

14:24 - Why Everyone Should Start Using AI

16:46 - Why Teachers Can’t Solve This Alone

22:08 - “Betty’s Brain” & Teaching Through AI Feedback

25:38 - Using AI to Learn Across Languages

28:30 - The MIT Study on Writing With AI

31:10 - “If AI Makes a Mistake, You Made the Mistake”

33:46 - “Effects Of” vs “Effects With” Technology

37:37 - The Importance of Personally Using AI

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Page Anderson, clinical psychologist, researcher, and associate professor at Georgia State University, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping mental health care, psychology training, and the future of therapy.

Dr. Anderson shares her unexpected journey into digital mental health, from working in one of the earliest virtual reality exposure therapy companies to seeing firsthand how AI-powered assistive technology transformed her son’s independence and daily life. The conversation dives into the growing reality that people, especially younger generations, are already using AI tools for emotional support, mental health guidance, and therapy-like conversations, often before speaking to a clinician.

The discussion explores the opportunities and risks of AI in psychology, including accessibility to support, the “validation problem” with chatbots, ethical concerns around privacy and data use, and the growing need for AI literacy among clinicians, students, and educators. Dr. Anderson also explains why psychologists must remain actively involved in shaping ethical standards, training, and policy around AI instead of avoiding the technology altogether.

Throughout the episode, both guests emphasize that while AI may become a powerful assistive tool, human relationships, critical thinking, ethics, and clinical judgment remain essential to effective mental health care.

Takeaways:

• AI Is Already Being Used for Mental Health Support by Millions of People.
• Psychologists Need to Engage With AI Instead of Ignoring It.
• AI Can Improve Accessibility and Reduce Barriers to Mental Health Support.
• Therapy and Chatting With AI Are Not the Same Thing.
• AI Literacy and Prompt Engineering Are Becoming Essential Skills for Clinicians.
• Human Judgment, Ethics, and Critical Thinking Still Matter Most in Mental Health Care.

Connect with Dr. Page Anderson

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/page-anderson-ph-d-abpp-clinical-psychologist-associate-professor/

Georgia State University:

https://psychology.gsu.edu/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:40 - “I’m Not a Tech Person” (Origin Story)

04:40 - Personal Story: AI Changing Her Son’s Life

07:08 - Barriers to Traditional Therapy

09:25 - Do Psychologists Still Have a Role?

11:22 - Why Training Comes First

13:30 - The AI Training Gap in Education

17:50 - AI vs Real Therapy (Key Differences)

19:30 - Personalized Therapy Materials with AI

23:00 - Why Critical Thinking Matters Most

24:53 - Where Psychologists Should Start

29:01 - Final Advice for Clinicians

31:20 - Final Thoughts: Humans Train AI

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Amber Childs, child and adolescent psychiatrist, Yale School of Medicine associate professor, and founder of Dr. Amber Childs Advisory. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the lives of teens, parents, clinicians, and the future of mental health care.

Dr. Childs shares how her unexpected journey into AI began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she rapidly helped scale telehealth services for adolescent psychiatry at Yale. She discusses how teens are already integrating AI into their daily lives for learning, emotional support, curiosity, and mental health conversations, often turning to chatbots when trusted human support feels unavailable.

The discussion also highlights the fears many parents experience around AI, the importance of curiosity-driven conversations instead of fear-based reactions, and why bans alone may fail to protect young people. Dr. Childs emphasizes that clinicians, caregivers, and psychologists must stay engaged with technology, develop AI literacy, and help shape safer, evidence-based solutions that support human connection rather than replace it.

Takeaways:

• AI Is Already Deeply Integrated Into Teen Life and Mental Health Conversations.
• Teens Often Use AI for Exploration, Emotional Support, and Nonjudgmental Guidance.
• Parents Should Approach AI Conversations With Curiosity Instead of Fear or Control.
• Banning AI Without Education or Safeguards May Create More Problems Than Solutions.
• Psychologists and Clinicians Must Help Shape the Future of Ethical AI in Mental Health Care.
• Human Connection, Communication, and Trust Still Matter More Than Technology.
• AI Literacy Is Becoming Essential for Parents, Therapists, and Educators.

Connect with Dr. Amber Childs:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberwchilds/

Website: https://www.dramberchilds.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:37 - How AI Entered Her Work “By Accident” During the Pandemic

06:55 - Teen Skepticism, AI Anxiety & Concerns About Relationships

08:51 - What Parents Are Most Worried About With AI

11:30 - Why Teens Turn to AI for Support & Validation

13:38 - Why Attacking AI or “The Friend” Backfires With Teens

16:00 - Dangerous AI Scenarios Parents Should Watch For

19:52 - Trusted Resources for Parents Navigating AI & Mental Health

22:53 - How Parents Can Start the AI Conversation With Their Teens

25:08 - Why AI Bans May Do More Harm Than Good

29:43 - Where to Follow Dr. Amber Childs Online

30:28 - Final Advice: “Curiosity Is Free”

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Philip Held, a clinical psychologist and researcher focused on improving PTSD treatment outcomes through AI and accelerated therapy models. The conversation explores how Dr. Held’s team developed “Socrates 2.0,” a multi-agent AI system designed to support cognitive restructuring through Socratic dialogue alongside evidence-based therapy.

Dr. Held explains how the system uses multiple AI agents to supervise and improve therapeutic conversations in real time, reducing looping behaviors and improving the quality of AI-assisted interactions. The discussion highlights how veterans are using AI as a practice space before therapy sessions, how clinicians are beginning to use these tools for supervision and training, and why validation, safety testing, and clear guardrails are critical as AI becomes more integrated into mental health care.

The episode also explores the future of AI-assisted clinician training, ethical considerations around validation standards, and why curiosity and responsible experimentation are essential as psychology adapts to rapidly advancing technologies.

Takeaways:

• Multi-Agent AI Can Improve the Quality of Therapeutic Conversations.
• AI Tools Can Help Veterans Practice Difficult Conversations Before Therapy Sessions.
• Validation, Safety Testing, and Guardrails Are Essential for Mental Health AI Tools.
• AI Is Best Used as a Support Tool Rather Than a Replacement for Clinicians.
• Clinicians Are Beginning to Use AI for Supervision, Roleplay, and Skill Development.

Connect with Dr. Philip Held

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-held-phd/

Website: https://roadhomeprogram.org/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:24 - Dr. Philip Held’s journey into AI and psychology

05:58 - How Socratic dialogue works inside the AI tool

08:24 - Multi-agent AI supervision inspired by clinical training

10:05 - What success looks like for Socrates 2.0

11:30 - The challenge of measuring “good enough” in AI therapy

14:48 - How AI is changing traditional therapy methods

17:00 - How veterans responded to using the AI tool

19:33 - Why validating AI mental health tools matters

23:02 - What responsibilities still belong to clinicians

25:40 - Clinicians’ reactions to AI-assisted therapy tools

27:33 - Future AI applications for clinician training and supervision

30:28 - The need for AI benchmarks, boundaries, and guardrails

34:36 - What “validation” really means in AI mental health

35:45 - Dr. Philip Held’s advice on staying curious about AI

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Rachel Wood, a cyber psychology researcher, licensed professional counselor, and founder of the AI Mental Health Collective. The discussion explores how artificial intelligence is shifting the relational bedrock of society, noting that clients are increasingly bringing AI into their therapy sessions for advice, comfort, and validation.

Dr. Wood emphasizes that as AI usage becomes more common, therapists should prioritize clinician competence and practice informed consent. She advocates for a cross-disciplinary approach, urging mental health practitioners to collaborate with AI builders to establish safeguards, raise user awareness, and ensure the responsible development of these technologies.

Takeaways:

• AI Is Shifting Client Expectations and Relational Dynamics in Therapy.
• Clinicians Must Prioritize Informed Consent and Their Own AI Competence.
• Clients Often Turn to Chatbots Seeking Validation and Frictionless Interactions.
• Clinical Judgment and Patient Safety Must Always Supersede Any AI Usage.
• Mental Health Professionals Must Claim a Voice at the Table During AI Development.

Connect with Dr. Rachel Wood

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelwoodphd/

Website: https://www.dr-rachelwood.com/

Website: https://www.aimentalhealthcollective.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:31 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:04 Dr. Rachel Wood Origin Story

04:01 How AI Impacts Therapy and Client Usage

05:36 Clinician Competence and Informed Consent

07:10 Shifting Expectations and AI Triangulation

09:58 What Clients Get from AI Chatbots

11:24 Clinical Judgment and Attachment Theory

15:24 Practitioner Boundaries and Accountability

18:21 The AI Mental Health Collective

21:20 Responsible AI Integration

23:07 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford and co-director of the Center for Responsible and Effective AI Technology Enhancement for PTSD treatment (CREATE), discusses how large language models can support evidence-based mental health interventions, and can also be used to assist in training therapists through the use of simulated patients.

Dr. Wiltsey Stirman notes that while AI can be a powerful tool for tasks like clinical scribing and reflection, it should supplement rather than replace human therapists, especially regarding complex diagnoses and high-risk scenarios. She highlights the necessity of AI literacy, urging therapists and organizations to prioritize transparency, privacy, and responsible implementation.

Takeaways:

• AI Should Supplement, Not Replace Human Therapists
• Simulated Patients Offer Safe Practice for Clinicians
• AI Diagnostics and High-Risk Treatment Require Firm Boundaries
• Organizations Must Prioritize Transparency and Privacy
• Therapists Need to Increase Their AI Literacy

Connect with Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-wiltsey-stirman-3874056/

https://med.stanford.edu/fastlab.html

https://create.stanford.edu/contact

https://create.stanford.edu/contact

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:35 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:15 Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman Origin Story

04:54 Realistic AI Capabilities in Therapy Today

07:00 Meaningful AI Implementation in Evidence-Based Care

09:34 What People Get Wrong About AI Tools

12:57 Boundaries Between AI and Human Therapists

15:46 Safe AI Boundaries for Therapists

19:01 Organizational Implementation and Transparency

21:27 The CREATE Center at Stanford

25:06 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her