Work

Human Touch vs. Tech Talk: Mental Health Clinicians' Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in Systemic Practice

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: As artificial intelligence (AI) based tools increasingly enter mental health care, clinicians face new possibilities alongside significant ethical, relational, and professional concerns. Yet limited empirical research has examined clinicians' perspectives on AI within systemic practice. This convergent mixed-methods study examined familiarity, use, perceived benefits and risks, ethical and relational concerns, and training needs among 89 practicing mental health professionals in the United States. Approximately half of respondents reported using AI professionally, with notetaking and transcription representing the most frequently reported applications. Findings reflect conditional acceptance of AI with greater perceived value for clinician support and greater concern when AI might compromise professional judgment, confidentiality, contextual understanding, or human connection. Findings also underscore the need for ethically grounded, relationally informed, and systematically responsive AI integration.

Source: Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

DOI: 10.1111/jmft.70172

Authors: Merranda Marin, Marcel Montanez, Kourtney Vaillancourt

Institution: New Mexico State University

Language: English

Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education

Subfield: Health Informatics

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Mexico State University, National Institute of Food and Agriculture