Artificial Intelligence in Psychotherapy: Optimal Utilization Strategies

Máté Szondy*, Ágnes Zsila, Ágnes Magyary, Peter Fazekas, Noémi Zsuzsanna Mészáros

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into psychotherapy holds promise for revolutionizing mental healthcare delivery, particularly in addressing the pervasive treatment gap and improving accessibility to services. This paper critically examines the landscape of AI utilization within psychotherapy, focusing on its potential benefits, ethical dilemmas, and optimal conditions for integration. AI systems offer valuable support in diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention personalization, yet navigating the boundaries between AI-driven interventions and human-centered therapy requires careful consideration. Factors influencing AI implementation include the nature of mental health issues, patient attitudes towards technology, and environmental factors such as stigma and therapist shortages. We discuss potential pitfalls, including ethical concerns, power dynamics, and inherent biases in AI algorithms, and underscore the importance of maintaining the therapeutic alliance. Moreover, we highlight the synergies between AI-based and human therapy, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes patient welfare and preserves interpersonal connection.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSocial Robots with AI : Prospects, Risks, and Responsible Methods, Proceedings of Robophilosophy 2024
EditorsJohanna Seibt, Peter Fazekas, Oliver Santiago Quick
Number of pages10
Volume397
PublisherIOS Press BV
Publication date4 Feb 2025
Pages349-358
ISBN (Print)978-1-64368-567-0
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-64368-568-7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Feb 2025
Event6th Social Robots with AI: Prospects, Risks, and Responsible Methods Robophilosophy, RP 2024 - Hybrid, Aarhus, Denmark
Duration: 19 Aug 202423 Aug 2024

Conference

Conference6th Social Robots with AI: Prospects, Risks, and Responsible Methods Robophilosophy, RP 2024
Country/TerritoryDenmark
CityHybrid, Aarhus
Period19/08/202423/08/2024
SeriesFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence and Applications
Volume397
ISSN0922-6389

Keywords

  • artificial intelligence
  • chatbots
  • diagnosis
  • psychotherapy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Artificial Intelligence in Psychotherapy: Optimal Utilization Strategies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this