BOSTON (WHN) – Psychologists are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence tools into their practices, with a significant jump in adoption rates observed over the past year, according to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA). This shift, however, is accompanied by mounting concerns regarding patient safety, data privacy, and the potential for inaccurate information generated by these technologies.
The APA survey revealed that 56% of psychologists are now utilizing AI tools, a substantial increase from 29% reported last year. Nearly a third of these professionals are using AI on a monthly basis, more than doubling from the previous year’s figures.
Dr. Cami Winkelspecht, a child and adolescent psychologist with a private practice in Wilmington, Delaware, found herself exploring AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini after patients, particularly adolescents, began inquiring about their responsible use. “One of the interesting questions that kids and teenagers, in particular, brought in is how can you utilize AI to help support ideas or editing process or things like that for papers and assignments and presentations, but also make sure that you’re not utilizing it to write something for you, [so] that you’re not violating your school’s honor code,” Winkelspecht stated.
To address these patient queries and to gain personal familiarity, Winkelspecht began experimenting with the tools herself. She aimed to feel “confident and comfortable” with her understanding of their capabilities, advantages, and inherent risks.
Winkelspecht employs AI for administrative tasks, such as generating letter templates for communications with schools and pediatricians. This application, she noted, streamlines her workflow by saving time, while still allowing her to personally craft and edit each letter.
Dr. Vaile Wright, senior director of the Office of Health Care Innovation at the APA, confirmed that many psychologists are leveraging AI for similar functions. “Most psychologists are using AI to help write emails, to help develop homework assignments, to help maybe with some report writing or using AI scribes to assist with documentation,” Wright explained.
The potential for AI to enhance efficiency in clinical practice is viewed as a promising development. “Psychologists are seeing potential opportunities to incorporate AI into their practices, by making their work more efficient, which we think could have downstream effects to reducing burnout, reducing those aspects of the workplace that people don’t particularly enjoy,” Wright added. “And that would then give them more time to really provide patient care. So I think that that’s really promising.”
Yet, as AI integration grows, so does awareness of its potential pitfalls. Wright highlighted a rising concern among psychologists, particularly concerning patient safety and data privacy. A majority of respondents expressed worries about the technology’s potential harms.
More than 60% of psychologists surveyed voiced apprehension about data breaches, biased inputs and outputs, and broader social harms. A significant number also raised concerns about “hallucinations”—instances where AI platforms fabricate facts or present inaccurate information. This phenomenon, where AI generates plausible-sounding but false content, presents a direct challenge to evidence-based practice.
“What’s clear to us is that we need to help continue to provide both resources to members so that they can and effectively, responsibly incorporate these types of technologies,” Wright stated. She emphasized the critical need for oversight, adding, “And we have to ensure that these technologies are regulated in ways that ensure to the best of their ability, safety and efficacy.”
The APA is actively working to develop and disseminate resources to guide its members in the responsible adoption of AI. The focus remains on equipping psychologists with the knowledge to use these tools effectively while mitigating risks. This ongoing effort acknowledges that while AI offers potential benefits for clinical efficiency, its implementation requires careful consideration of ethical implications and accuracy.
The rapid adoption rate suggests that AI is no longer a peripheral technology in psychology but is becoming an integral part of the professional toolkit. However, the concerns articulated by a majority of psychologists underscore the essential need for continued dialogue, rigorous evaluation, and clear regulatory frameworks to ensure that technological advancements serve, rather than compromise, patient well-being and professional integrity.