The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

The Advances in Artificial Intelligence for Mental Health: An interview with Dr. Alyssa Dietz

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The Advances in Artificial Intelligence for Mental Health: An interview with Dr. Alyssa Dietz

Curt and Katie chat with Dr. Alyssa Dietz, a clinical psychologist and digital mental health expert, about the evolving role of AI in therapy. Dr. Dietz discusses how AI can enhance therapy by delivering evidence-based care, particularly in structured approaches like CBT, while acknowledging its limitations with complex, multi-diagnosis cases. She emphasizes the need for collaboration between therapists and AI developers to ensure ethical, patient-centered innovation in digital mental health.

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

In this podcast episode, we talk with Dr. Alyssa Dietz about Advances in AI for Therapy

Artificial Intelligence has already come for mental healthcare. The question is, what should therapists be doing about it? We dig into what AI therapy looks like from the inside, from a clinician’s perspective.

AI’s Growing Role in Therapy
  • AI can enhance therapy but won’t replace human therapists soon.
  • AI is particularly effective in skills-based therapies like CBT.
  • AI currently struggles with complex diagnoses and comorbidities.
  • The most active users of digital mental health tools are 50-60 years old, surprising many industry experts.
    • How AI is Changing the Therapist’s Role
    • AI can automate administrative tasks and support therapists in data-driven decision-making.
    • Although tech and insurance folks say we can use AI to work at the "top of our license," this approach could lead to therapist burnout.
    • Clinicians should work alongside AI developers to ensure ethical, patient-centered care.
    • AI’s judgment and decision-making remain limited, requiring human oversight.
      • Evaluating AI’s Effectiveness & Ethical Considerations
      • The tension between innovation, regulation, and evaluation in AI-driven therapy.
      • Importance of clear safety protocols and escalation (emergency) measures for client care.
      • AI must be rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness.
      • Understanding how AI products are trained and evaluated is critical for therapists before incorporating these clinical tools into your practice.
        • AI and Complex Diagnoses
        • Current AI models struggle to address comorbidities effectively.
        • Need for personalization and context-driven interventions.
        • Future AI tools must move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.
          • How Therapists Can Adapt to AI in Mental Health
          • Educate yourself on AI’s capabilities and limitations.
          • Stay informed through online courses, conferences, and tech-focused therapist groups.
          • Engage with organizations like the Digital Medicine Society to understand responsible AI use.
          • Connect with the "Therapists in Tech" Slack group to network with others in the space.


            • 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/

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            The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie VernoyBy Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT
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