Large language model applications for pediatric psychology
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Large language models (LLMs; e.g., ChatGPT) are rapidly reshaping the landscape of healthcare, including the environments in which pediatric psychologists work. Pediatric psychologists are uniquely positioned at the interface of psychological science and pediatric medicine, managing high clinical demands and complex interdisciplinary communication, developing research protocols and interventions to better understand and meet the needs of children, and training the future of the field. With the rapid diffusion of LLMs in pediatric psychology clinical practice, research, and training, pediatric psychologists need to be equipped in understanding how LLMs were developed, the current and potential use cases, how to appropriately interact with LLMs, and how to use LLMs ethically and with critical thinking skills to best support patients and their families. The authors presented “Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in Pediatric Psychology” at the Society of Pediatric Psychology Annual Conference 2025. Survey data (available on request) from attendees (n = 44) demonstrated that many pediatric psychologists are using LLMs in some capacity (45% administrative tasks, 45% personal life, 25% research, 25% clinically; 23% reported not using LLMs at all). However, out of those who responded to the survey (n = 47), only 43% reported that their workplace had a policy related to AI use; 17% reported their workplace did not have a policy, and the other 19% were not sure. This commentary highlights key considerations for pediatric psychologists, including the importance of being a savvy human partner when using LLMs, the applications of LLMs for pediatric psychological practice, teaching, and research, the ethical concerns and considerations with LLMs, and provides resources for more in-depth learning.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Psychology
Language: English
Subfield: Health Informatics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
OpenAlex ID: W7128686177