Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology

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Chapters

00:00 - Intro

01:01 - Welcome to Beyond the Couch and Meet Dr. Eric Lin

02:23 - Dr. Lin's Journey into AI and Psychiatry

04:49 - Understanding AI Psychosis and Chatbot-Related Risks

05:54 - Can AI Responses Account for Individual Patient Needs?

06:46 - Clinical Judgment and the Limits of AI

08:25 - Psychological Vulnerabilities, Delusions, and Folie à Deux

10:26 - Evaluating Long-Term Risks of AI Chatbot Interactions

11:06 - The Limitations of Synthetic Data in AI Safety Testing

11:54 - What Makes AI Safety Evaluations Clinically Meaningful?

14:15 - AI Regulation and the Need for Clinician Involvement

15:24 - Practical Applications of AI in Mental Health Care

17:50 - Bridging Clinical Standards and Rapid AI Development

20:47 - Working with AI Companies and Developers

22:30 - Balancing Clinical Evidence with AI Innovation

24:55 - Dr. Lin's Advice: Get Involved in Shaping AI's Future

Nov 3, 2026 26 min

AI in Psychology: Clinical Judgment, Ethics, and the Future of Mental Health Care with Australian Psychologist Dr. Erika Penney

Season 3, Episode 11

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Erika Penney, principal clinical psychologist at Schema Therapy & Supervision Australia, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping psychological practice, clinical education, and mental health care. She explains why psychologists and educators need to rethink traditional approaches to AI, including how clinical training can prepare future psychologists to use these tools responsibly while maintaining independent clinical competence.

The conversation examines AI’s potential to support psychologists through administrative tasks, AI scribes, research, literature reviews, and between-session therapeutic work, while emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment, critical thinking, and human connection. Dr. Penney also discusses how clients are already using AI for emotional support, companionship, and advice. She highlights the importance of approaching clients' AI use without judgment and helping them critically evaluate AI-generated guidance. She encourages psychologists to strengthen their digital literacy, pursue ongoing professional development, and preserve the relational skills essential to effective psychological care.

Takeaways:

-AI Is Changing Psychological Practice and Education.

-AI Should Support, Not Replace, Clinical Judgment.

-Privacy, Security, and Ethics Are Essential in AI Use.

-Psychologists Need Ongoing AI Education and Training.

-Clinicians Must Understand How Clients Use AI for Mental Health Support.

-Human Connection Remains Essential to Effective Therapy.

Connect with Dr. Erika Penney

Website:https://drerikapenney.com.au/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-erika-penney-5b862b108/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:22 - Meet Dr. Erika Penney

02:21 - From Complex Trauma to Digital Mental Health

05:05 - Preparing Psychologists for AI

07:05 - AI, Learning, and Clinical Competence

10:22 - Learning From AI Failures

11:45 - AI Adoption Among Psychologists in Australia

13:57 - AI in Australia's Healthcare Systems

15:12 - Privacy, Data Security, and Client Confidentiality

17:58 - Discussing AI Use in Therapy

22:39 - AI Scribes and Clinical Workflows

25:02 - AI for Between-Session Therapeutic Practice

28:27 - AI and the Future of Preventive Mental Health Care

33:15 - Preparing for the Future Through AI Professional Development

Oct 27, 2026 35 min

AI, Artificial Intimacy, and the Illusion of Empathy with Dr. Sherry Turkle

Season 3, Episode 10

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Sherry Turkle, MIT professor, clinical psychologist, and author of Artificial Intimacy, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping human connection, empathy, and relationships. Drawing on decades of research into the emotional impact of technology, Dr. Turkle explains how AI chatbots can create the feeling of being understood without the lived experience or mutual engagement that defines human empathy. She examines how emotionally responsive AI companions may change our expectations of relationships, making human interactions seem increasingly difficult by comparison.

The conversation explores the psychological risks of AI companionship, particularly for children, adolescents, and people experiencing loneliness, as well as Dr. Turkle's concerns about chatbots being used for therapy or emotional support between sessions. She questions whether AI's reassuring responses can substitute for the challenge, accountability, and genuine understanding found in human relationships. Dr. Turkle also calls attention to the importance of investing in social infrastructure rather than relying on technology to address isolation, emphasizing why preserving human connection matters for psychological well-being and society.

Takeaways

-AI can simulate empathy without sharing the human experience behind it.

-Constant AI reassurance may reshape expectations of real relationships.

-Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to artificial intimacy.

-AI companionship may discourage the interpersonal skills needed for human connection.

Connect with Dr. Sherry Turkle

Website: https://sherryturkle.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:20 - Dr. Sherry Turkle's Journey into AI and Psychology

05:27 - Artificial Intimacy and the Shift Toward AI Relationships

07:00 - The Psychological Risks of AI Companionship

08:12 - Simulated Empathy vs. Human Empathy

11:44 - How AI Affects Human Relationships and Social Skills

12:49 - Feeling Understood by AI vs. Being Understood

15:39 - Emotional Dependence and AI Safety Risks

19:22 - Recognizing Vulnerability to AI Companionship

20:38 - AI Engagement, Advertising, and Influence

22:42 - Can AI Support Therapy and Human Relationships?

24:19 - The Risks of AI Reassurance Without Accountability

27:34 - Loneliness, Vulnerable Populations, and Social Infrastructure

29:14 - Final Thoughts and Connecting with Dr. Turkle

29:56 - Closing Advice: Make a Friend

Oct 20, 2026 31 min

AI in Mental Health: Why Clinical Judgment Still Matters with Dr. Caitlin Stamatis

Season 3, Episode 9

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Caitlin Stamatis, a clinical psychologist who has spent more than a decade working across digital mental health, behavioral health research, and technology, and now leads research at Slingshot AI. Dr. Stamatis shares how her skepticism of AI began to shift after seeing purpose-built mental health systems and emerging research such as the Therabot trial. They explore where AI may extend mental health support, from personalized clinical materials and assessment tools to support between traditional appointments, while examining why the vocabulary of therapy is not the same as clinical judgment.

The conversation also examines the harder questions surrounding mental health AI: sycophancy, engagement-driven business models, reassurance seeking, clinical risk, privacy, evidence generation, and how to evaluate generative systems that continuously change. Dr. Stamatis argues that psychologists have important roles throughout the AI lifecycle, including defining safety policies, evaluating model responses, measuring real-world outcomes, integrating AI into care systems, and challenging developers when tools fall short. Rather than requiring psychologists to become less skeptical, she sees informed skepticism and clinical expertise as necessary for shaping safer, more useful mental health AI.

Takeaways:

-Sounding like a therapist is not the same as clinical judgment.

-Psychologists can help define safe and effective AI responses.

-Engagement-driven business models may conflict with patient outcomes.

-Mental health AI needs continuous evidence and safety evaluation.

-AI may support people between sessions or when care is unavailable.

-Skeptical clinicians can help identify risks and improve AI tools.

Connect with Dr. Caitlin Stamatis

Website: https://drstamatis.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/cstamatis

Connect With Us

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41347-025-00532-z

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Chapters:

00:00 - Cold Open: Clinicians and AI Safety

00:53 - Intro

02:10 - Dr. Caitlin Stamatis’ Journey to Mental Health AI

05:30 - From AI Skepticism to Seeing Its Potential

07:34 - Why Clinical Judgment Still Matters

10:15 - Business Models, Engagement, and Patient Outcomes

12:33 - AI Sycophancy and Responsible Use

15:28 - The Role of Psychologists in AI Safety

18:43 - Evaluating AI as the Technology Changes

20:54 - Setting a High Bar for Mental Health AI

22:39 - AI in Clinical Practice

25:13 - How Psychologists Can Shape AI Development

25:58 - Rethinking Models of Mental Health Care

28:39 - Why AI Skeptics Are Needed

30:37 - Outro

Oct 13, 2026 31 min

AI Beyond the Therapy Session: Human Connection, Family Care, and AI with Dr. Shiri Sharvit

Season 3, Episode 8

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Shiri Sharvit, a clinical psychologist, researcher, technology entrepreneur, CEO and cofounder of Resolve Together, and Distinguished Professor of Research at Palo Alto University. Drawing on more than two decades in clinical psychology and years of work integrating technology into behavioral healthcare, Dr. Sharvit explores what makes generative AI different from earlier digital interventions and how it can support clinicians with documentation, assessments, continuous support, and care between sessions. She argues that human connection, clinical judgment, and understanding people in context must remain central even as more routine work is delegated to AI.

The conversation also explores family-based care and Resolve Together’s model of combining human health coaches with an AI companion to support patients and families outside traditional clinical encounters. Dr. Sharvit discusses why AI companions should not be treated as substitutes for human relationships, including their limitations around lived experience, empathy, accountability, and their tendency to reinforce users rather than always challenge them therapeutically. She also calls on psychologists to become more involved in AI education, design, evaluation, advocacy, and regulation so behavioral science, clinical ethics, and real-world workflows help shape how these systems are developed and used.

Takeaways

-Human connection and clinical judgment must remain central as AI enters psychological care.

-AI can extend support beyond the traditional therapy session.

-Routine clinical tasks can be delegated so clinicians can focus more on relationships.

-AI companions can mimic emotion, but they cannot replicate human lived experience or accountability.

-Psychologists should help design and evaluate AI, not wait until the technology is already built.

-Responsible AI requires clear use cases, guardrails, education, and appropriate regulation.

Connect with Dr. Shiri Sharvit

Website: http://www.resolvetogether.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirisharvitphd/

AI Integration in Behavioral Healthcare: A Practical Framework for Clinicians:

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Chapters

00:00 - Intro

02:13 - Dr. Shiri Sharvit’s Journey from Clinical Psychology to AI

06:53 - What Makes Generative AI Different from Earlier Digital Tools

09:49 - Why AI Still Feels Foreign to Many Clinicians

12:40 - What Should Stay Human in Psychological Care

14:44 - Bringing Families Into AI-Supported Care

18:07 - How Resolve Together Extends Care Beyond the Clinic

19:15 - A Human and AI Hybrid Care Team

21:41 - How Human-to-AI Handoffs Work

22:37 - What Providers and Families Are Experiencing

24:23 - Will AI Replace Therapists?

27:50 - How Clinicians Can Prepare to Use AI Responsibly

29:43 - Why Psychologists Need to Help Shape AI

31:45 - AI Companions, Engagement, and Appropriate Boundaries

34:00 - Final Advice: Protect Human Relationships

Oct 6, 2026 35 min

AI and Mental Health: The Promise, Risks, and Future of AI Therapy with Dr. Hiba Arnaout

Season 3, Episode 7

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch: AI and Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Hiba Arnaout, a postdoctoral researcher at the Ubiquitous Knowledge Processing (UKP) Lab at TU Darmstadt. Dr. Arnaout’s research focuses on natural language processing, knowledge graphs, digital mental health, scholarly AI, and responsible AI. She discusses how AI is already being used for mental health support, particularly when people face barriers to traditional therapy, and explores how AI could help improve access and support therapists with tasks such as therapy session summaries and clinical insights.

The conversation also examines the risks of AI in mental health, including hallucinations, unreliable information, and challenges in evaluating AI-generated outputs. Dr. Arnaout discusses the growing use of AI as a therapist or companion and emphasizes the importance of systematic evaluation, human oversight, and collaboration between psychologists and computer scientists to develop safer, clinically grounded AI tools.

Takeaways:

• AI can expand access to mental health support when therapy is hard to reach.
• People are already using AI for therapy, coaching, companionship, and emotional support.
• Hallucinations create real risks in mental health and clinical use.
• AI should be systematically evaluated before being trusted for specific tasks.
• LLMs can help scale evaluation, but human oversight still matters.
• AI should be judged by the task it performs, not simply as “good” or “bad” for mental health.

Connect with Dr. Hiba Arnaout

Website: https://hibaarnaout.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiba-arnaout-a93996147/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:35 - From Computer Science to Mental Health AI Research

04:47 - The Rise of ChatGPT in Mental Health

06:40 - Four Directions of AI for Psychology

09:17 - What Does AI Safety in Mental Health Actually Look Like?

13:50 - Can AI Improve Access to Mental Health Support?

16:50 - Hallucinations: A Major Risk in AI Mental Health Tools

18:43 - Can AI Find Insights Therapists Might Miss?

19:22 - The Challenge of Evaluating Subjective Clinical Decisions

21:48 - AI Explainability: Why Did the Model Reach That Conclusion?

24:15 - Why Psychologists Must Be Part of AI Development

26:10 - Where AI Shows the Most Promise in Mental Health

28:34 - Why AI Should Support Therapists, Not Replace Them

30:05 - Dr. Hiba’s Advice: Evaluate AI Before You Trust It

Sep 22, 2026 31 min

AI Is Moving Faster Than Governance. What Should Healthcare Do?

Season 3, Episode 6

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde examines what happens when AI capabilities and adoption move faster than the systems designed to govern them. Drawing connections between recent AI cybersecurity testing, rapid AI adoption in healthcare, shadow AI, and evolving clinical workflows, he argues that responsible AI governance must extend beyond vendor approval, security reviews, and initial validation. Organizations also need to understand what AI systems can access, what actions they can take, how their capabilities change, and how unexpected behaviors will be identified after deployment.

Dr. Wayde also explores a less visible dimension of AI risk: how repeated reliance on artificial intelligence may change human judgment, skills, and professional practice over time. For psychologists and other healthcare professionals, this raises important questions about clinical reasoning, interviewing, risk assessment, training, and the expertise needed to recognize when an AI-generated recommendation does not fit the situation. The goal is not to stop AI adoption, but to build ongoing governance that captures its benefits while continuously monitoring risks to patients, professionals, workflows, and the capabilities humans still need to preserve.

Takeaways:

• AI adoption is moving faster than governance.
• AI governance must extend beyond initial approval and security reviews.
• Responsible AI governance must account for human behavior and professional skills.
• The goal is not to stop AI adoption, but to manage its evolving risks responsibly.
• AI risk is not limited to malicious behavior.
• Shadow AI is already part of the governance challenge.

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Chapters:

00:05 - When AI breaks expected boundaries

01:24 - Why AI governance matters now

03:00 - What happened in OpenAI's sandbox testing

06:00 - Anthropic and unintended access to real systems

07:02 - How AI can cause harm without malicious intent

08:20 - Why these AI failures matter for healthcare

09:54 - AI adoption is outpacing governance

11:12 - The governance gap and shadow AI

13:13 - Why initial security reviews are not enough

14:10 - Expanding the definition of AI governance

14:55 - How AI may change human performance

16:55 - Clinical judgment, skill preservation, and AI reliance

18:55 - Human performance as a governance issue

19:35 - Why AI governance must be ongoing

20:28 - Monitoring unintended consequences after implementation

21:36 - Getting AI's benefits without becoming casual about risk

21:57 - Closing

Sep 15, 2026 22 min

The Future of AI in Mental Health: Safety, Therapy, and Human Judgment with Dr. Alyssa Dietz

Season 3, Episode 5

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Alyssa Dietz, a clinical psychologist whose career spans academia, clinical practice, digital therapeutics, and technology-enabled mental health care. Dr. Dietz shares how her work evolved from researching digital interventions and training future therapists to developing and evaluating AI-supported mental health tools. She discusses how AI can help expand access to evidence-based care, where it performs well in areas such as skills training and pattern matching, and why human clinical judgment, context, and nuance remain essential.

The conversation also explores what responsible AI looks like in mental health care, including continuous safety testing, monitoring for model drift, and identifying both obvious and subtle risks such as self-harm, reinforcing delusions, avoidance behaviors, and overly sensitive safety responses. Dr. Dietz explains how psychologists can contribute to designing, evaluating, and supervising AI systems through their expertise in research, assessment, psychometrics, human behavior, and clinical care. She also reflects on how psychologists' roles may evolve as AI takes on more skills training and support functions and encourages psychologists to keep learning and remain open to technology, business, and new professional opportunities.

Takeaways:

-AI Can Expand Access to Mental Health Care, But It Cannot Replace Human Understanding.

-Safety in Mental Health AI Requires Continuous Monitoring, Testing, and Calibration.

-AI Can Support Skills Training While Humans Provide Clinical Judgment and Nuance.

-Psychologists Are Uniquely Positioned to Help Design, Evaluate, and Govern AI Tools.

-The Future Role of Psychologists May Include More AI Supervision and Strategic Clinical Oversight.

-AI and Business Literacy Can Help Psychologists Shape the Future of Mental Health Technology.

Connect with Dr. Alyssa Dietz

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alyssa-dietz-phd-8a99bbaa

Website: https://www.ieso.ai/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:00 - Meet Dr. Alyssa Dietz: From Clinical Psychology to AI

03:29 - Lessons From Digital Therapeutics

06:44 - Why Safety Matters in AI Mental Health Tools

08:54 - When AI Safety Systems Overreact

11:15 - How Psychologists Can Use AI in Their Workflow

15:05 - AI, Human Oversight, and Escalation to Care

18:48 - Psychologists and AI Safety, Evaluation, and Research

21:18 - What Psychologists Need to Know About Business

24:49 - Behavioral Health Tech and Therapists in Tech

26:18 - Dr. Dietz’s Transition From Psychology to Tech

29:41 - The Value of Psychologists in AI Development

32:18 - AI Insights for Clinicians: Dropout and Symptom Prediction

33:41 - Dr. Dietz’s Advice: Never Stop Learning

Sep 1, 2026 35 min

AI in Mental Health: Why Human Connection Still Matters with Prof. Munmun De Choudhury

Season 3, Episode 4

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Prof. Munmun De Choudhury, J. Z. Liang Professor of Interactive Computing at Georgia Tech and a leading researcher in computational social science, human-computer interaction, and digital mental health. Her work focuses on understanding how digital technologies and online interactions shape mental health and well-being.

The conversation explores one of the biggest questions facing psychology today: How can we embrace AI in mental health without losing the human connection at the center of care?

Prof. De Choudhury explains why mental health is fundamentally a human experience and why AI should be viewed as a tool that enhances, not replaces, the work of psychologists. She discusses practical ways AI can support clinicians, from summarizing information and identifying insights to helping psychologists better understand aspects of a client's digital life.

The discussion also examines the rise of AI companions and "AI buddies," particularly among young people, and what these new forms of relationships could mean for human connection. Prof. De Choudhury highlights both the potential benefits and risks, including emotional overreliance and the possibility of developing unrealistic expectations about relationships.

The episode also explores her research into AI safety, cultural competency, language barriers, emotional overreliance, and using AI to encourage young people to seek appropriate mental health support. The conversation ultimately emphasizes the importance of AI literacy, responsible oversight, and ensuring that psychologists have a meaningful seat at the table when AI systems are designed and developed.

Takeaways:

-AI Should Enhance Human Connection, Not Replace It.

-Mental Health Is Fundamentally a Human Experience.

-AI Can Support Psychologists Without Replacing Their Clinical Expertise.

-AI Literacy Is Becoming Essential for Psychologists, Educators, and the Next Generation.

-Responsibility for AI Safety Must Be Shared Across Developers, Clinicians, Users, and Other Stakeholders.

-Psychologists Need a Seat at the Table When AI Systems Are Designed and Developed.

Connect with Prof. Munmun De Choudhury

Website: http://www.munmund.net/

Georgia Tech Profile: https://ic.gatech.edu/people/munmun-de-choudhury

Social Dynamics and Well-Being Lab: https://socweb.cc.gatech.edu/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: AI, Mental Health & Human Connection

02:14 - From Computer Science to AI During an AI Winter

05:01 - Why Human Connection Matters in Mental Health

09:40 - The Future of Psychologists Working With AI

13:18 - How AI Relationships May Affect Human Relationships

16:18 - AI, Cultural Competency & Language Barriers

19:45 - Why AI Literacy Needs to Be Part of Education

22:13 - Who Is Responsible When AI Causes Harm?

23:40 - Why Psychologists Need a Seat at the AI Development Table

26:08 - How AI Can Complement a Psychologist’s Expertise

29:57 - Final Advice: Take a Deep Breath, AI Is Here

Aug 25, 2026 31 min

Think First, AI Second: Why Human Judgment Still Matters in Psychology with Dr. John Gavazzi

Season 3, Episode 3

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. John Gavazzi, board-certified clinical psychologist, ethics educator, and former President of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, to explore how psychologists can responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into clinical practice without compromising professional judgment or quality of care.

Drawing decades of experience in ethics, mental health law, and clinical decision-making, Dr. Gavazzi explains why AI should enhance, not replace, the thinking process of psychologists. He introduces the concept of "Think First, AI Second," arguing that clinicians must remain the originators of thought, using AI only after applying their own expertise and clinical reasoning.

The conversation explores the growing use of AI by both clinicians and clients, examining why people are turning to AI for emotional support, how psychologists can adapt when clients bring ChatGPT into therapy, and what must be preserved as AI becomes increasingly embedded in mental health care. Dr. Gavazzi also discusses cognitive offloading, automation bias, ethical accountability, AI literacy, and practical ways clinicians can redesign their workflows while maintaining professional competence.

Ultimately, this episode reinforces that while AI is becoming an invaluable tool for psychology, human connection, ethical responsibility, and clinical judgment remain irreplaceable.

Takeaways

• Psychologists Should Think First and Use AI Second.
• AI Can Support Clinical Work, But It Cannot Replace Human Judgment.
• Cognitive Offloading Can Weaken Clinical Skills Over Time.
• AI's Fluency Should Never Be Mistaken for Accuracy.
• Clients Are Already Bringing AI Into Therapy Sessions.

Connect with Dr. John Gavazzi

Website: ethicalpsychology.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johngavazzi

Email Address: john.gavazzi@gmail.com

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Chapters

00:00 - Intro

02:00 - Meet Dr. Gavazzi and His Background in Ethics & AI

03:36 - The "Think First, AI Second" Framework

07:10 - What Psychology Must Preserve in the Age of AI

09:12 - Simulated Empathy vs. Human Connection

12:00 - Can AI Really Show Empathy?

13:46 - The Risk of Cognitive Offloading

17:50 - Fluency Doesn't Mean Accuracy

20:00 - How Therapists Should Respond to Clients Using AI

22:57 - When Clients Bring ChatGPT into Therapy

24:50 - Teaching Future Psychologists to Work With AI

27:16 - How Much AI Knowledge Do Psychologists Need?

30:16 - Applying Ethics to AI in Clinical Practice

32:55 - Final Advice: Think First, AI Second

Aug 18, 2026 34 min

Building AI for Mental Health: A Computer Scientist’s Perspective with Zainab Iftikhar

Season 3, Episode 2

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Zainab Iftikhar, a PhD candidate in Computer Science at Brown University whose research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and AI for mental health. As the first computer scientist featured on the podcast, Zainab offers a unique perspective on how mental health AI systems are designed, evaluated, and used in the real world.

The conversation explores why people turn to AI for emotional support, the benefits and risks of mental health chatbots, and what happens when users begin to rely on these systems in place of human connection. Zainab shares insights from her research on emotional dependency, therapeutic boundaries, and the challenges of building AI that supports well-being without causing harm.

The episode also examines the critical role of clinicians, researchers, and developers in shaping the future of mental health technology. Together, they discuss how AI can serve as a valuable support tool while preserving human relationships and clinical expertise that remain at the heart of effective care.

Takeaways:

• Human connection remains essential in therapy.
• AI is designed to agree with users.
• Overreliance on AI can create dependency.
• Long-term AI use deserves closer evaluation.
• Psychologists should help shape mental health AI.
• Safe AI requires clinician-developer collaboration.

Connect with Zainab Iftikhar

Website: https://zainabiftikhar.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:56 - Journey Into AI & Mental Health Research

04:30 - Evaluating AI in Mental Health Contexts

08:05 - How People Actually Use AI for Mental Health

11:30 - Designing Safer AI for Mental Health Use

14:06 - Role of Psychologist Collaboration in AI Design

16:07 - Evaluating Long AI Conversations vs Single Responses

21:30 - Will AI Replace Therapists?

25:47 - Example of AI Helping Emotional Regulation

28:41 - Final Tip: Challenge the AI’s Bias

Aug 11, 2026 30 min

Psychology in the Age of AI - What Comes Next?

Season 3, Episode 1

Show notes

In the Season 3 premiere of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde explores a question that is becoming increasingly urgent for psychologists, clinicians, educators, researchers, and organizational leaders: now that artificial intelligence is already part of our professional and personal lives, what is psychology responsible for?

Reflecting how the AI conversation has evolved over the past year, Dr. Wayde argues that the question is no longer whether AI is coming; it is already here. From clients consulting chatbots before therapy sessions to students using AI in education, clinicians leveraging AI for documentation, and researchers navigating new questions around authorship and integrity, AI is actively shaping the way psychological work is conducted.

This episode introduces the central framework that will guide Season 3: Preserve, Redesign, and Guide. Dr. Wayde examines which aspects of psychology must remain firmly rooted in human expertise, such as professional judgment, ethical accountability, and contextual understanding. He also challenges listeners to consider where traditional workflows may need to evolve as AI creates new opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

Takeaways:

• AI Is No Longer a Future Issue; It Is Already Part of Psychological Practice.
• Clients, Students, Researchers, and Clinicians Are Already Using AI in Meaningful Ways.
• The Greatest Risk May Be When AI Becomes Invisible in Everyday Workflows.
• Psychology Must Distinguish Between What Should Be Preserved and What Can Be Redesigned.
• AI Creates Opportunities to Improve Efficiency, Access, and Workflow Design.
• Psychologists Have a Responsibility to Guide AI Use Responsibly and Ethically.

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:50 - Why the Conversation About AI Has Changed

03:25 - Lessons from Season 2: Questions That Still Matter

05:27 - The Season 3 Framework: Preserve • Redesign • Guide

8:09 - Using AI to Improve Effectiveness and Efficiency

Aug 4, 2026 10 min

Teaching Students to Think With AI, Not Around It with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer

Season 2, Episode 14

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer, learning scientist, educator, and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming education, writing, critical thinking, and the future of learning.

Dr. David Williamson Shaffer shares his journey from classroom teacher to leading researcher in learning analytics and AI in education. He reflects on how the rise of computers, the internet, and now generative AI have fundamentally changed the way humans think, learn, and interact with information.

The conversation explores why traditional education systems may no longer fit a world shaped by AI, how educators can rethink assignments and classroom learning, and why the goal should not be preventing AI use but teaching students how to collaborate with it responsibly. He also discusses the importance of critical thinking, ethical AI use, AI literacy, and why learning with technology may matter more than learning without it.

The episode also dives into practical examples of AI in classrooms, the risks of overreliance on AI, responsible use in academic writing and research, and why educators, clinicians, and researchers must actively engage with AI instead of avoiding it.

Takeaways:

• AI Is Reshaping How Humans Learn, Think, and Solve Problems.
• Traditional Education Models Were Not Designed for an AI-Driven World.
• The Goal Should Be Learning How to Work With AI, Not Simply Avoiding It.
• Critical Thinking Matters More Than Ever in the Age of Generative AI.
• Students Need Opportunities to Use AI Responsibly and Reflectively.
• Educators Cannot Be Expected to Solve AI Challenges Alone Without Systemic Support.
• AI Literacy Is Becoming Essential for Teachers, Researchers, Clinicians, and Students.
• Technology Should Expand Human Capability Rather Than Replace Human Judgment.

Connect with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer

Website: https://edpsych.education.wisc.edu/fac-staff/williamson-shaffer-david/

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/page-anderson-ph-d-abpp-clinical-psychologist-associate-professor/

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:33 - From Teacher to AI & Learning Science Researcher

06:00 - How AI Is Disrupting Education

10:03 - Why Predicting AI’s Future Is Nearly Impossible

11:19 - Understanding “Pedagogical Content Knowledge”

14:24 - Why Everyone Should Start Using AI

16:46 - Why Teachers Can’t Solve This Alone

22:08 - “Betty’s Brain” & Teaching Through AI Feedback

25:38 - Using AI to Learn Across Languages

28:30 - The MIT Study on Writing With AI

31:10 - “If AI Makes a Mistake, You Made the Mistake”

33:46 - “Effects Of” vs “Effects With” Technology

37:37 - The Importance of Personally Using AI

May 19, 2026 40 min

AI, Therapy & Human Connection: What Psychologists Need to Know with Dr. Page Anderson

Season 2, Episode 13

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Page Anderson, clinical psychologist, researcher, and associate professor at Georgia State University, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping mental health care, psychology training, and the future of therapy.

Dr. Anderson shares her unexpected journey into digital mental health, from working in one of the earliest virtual reality exposure therapy companies to seeing firsthand how AI-powered assistive technology transformed her son’s independence and daily life. The conversation dives into the growing reality that people, especially younger generations, are already using AI tools for emotional support, mental health guidance, and therapy-like conversations, often before speaking to a clinician.

The discussion explores the opportunities and risks of AI in psychology, including accessibility to support, the “validation problem” with chatbots, ethical concerns around privacy and data use, and the growing need for AI literacy among clinicians, students, and educators. Dr. Anderson also explains why psychologists must remain actively involved in shaping ethical standards, training, and policy around AI instead of avoiding the technology altogether.

Throughout the episode, both guests emphasize that while AI may become a powerful assistive tool, human relationships, critical thinking, ethics, and clinical judgment remain essential to effective mental health care.

Takeaways:

• AI Is Already Being Used for Mental Health Support by Millions of People.
• Psychologists Need to Engage With AI Instead of Ignoring It.
• AI Can Improve Accessibility and Reduce Barriers to Mental Health Support.
• Therapy and Chatting With AI Are Not the Same Thing.
• AI Literacy and Prompt Engineering Are Becoming Essential Skills for Clinicians.
• Human Judgment, Ethics, and Critical Thinking Still Matter Most in Mental Health Care.

Connect with Dr. Page Anderson

Linkedin:

Georgia State University:

https://psychology.gsu.edu/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:40 - “I’m Not a Tech Person” (Origin Story)

04:40 - Personal Story: AI Changing Her Son’s Life

07:08 - Barriers to Traditional Therapy

09:25 - Do Psychologists Still Have a Role?

11:22 - Why Training Comes First

13:30 - The AI Training Gap in Education

17:50 - AI vs Real Therapy (Key Differences)

19:30 - Personalized Therapy Materials with AI

23:00 - Why Critical Thinking Matters Most

24:53 - Where Psychologists Should Start

29:01 - Final Advice for Clinicians

31:20 - Final Thoughts: Humans Train AI

May 12, 2026 33 min

Parenting Through the AI Era: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Amber Childs

Season 2, Episode 12

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Amber Childs, child and adolescent psychiatrist, Yale School of Medicine associate professor, and founder of Dr. Amber Childs Advisory. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the lives of teens, parents, clinicians, and the future of mental health care.

Dr. Childs shares how her unexpected journey into AI began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she rapidly helped scale telehealth services for adolescent psychiatry at Yale. She discusses how teens are already integrating AI into their daily lives for learning, emotional support, curiosity, and mental health conversations, often turning to chatbots when trusted human support feels unavailable.

The discussion also highlights the fears many parents experience around AI, the importance of curiosity-driven conversations instead of fear-based reactions, and why bans alone may fail to protect young people. Dr. Childs emphasizes that clinicians, caregivers, and psychologists must stay engaged with technology, develop AI literacy, and help shape safer, evidence-based solutions that support human connection rather than replace it.

Takeaways:

• AI Is Already Deeply Integrated Into Teen Life and Mental Health Conversations.
• Teens Often Use AI for Exploration, Emotional Support, and Nonjudgmental Guidance.
• Parents Should Approach AI Conversations With Curiosity Instead of Fear or Control.
• Banning AI Without Education or Safeguards May Create More Problems Than Solutions.
• Psychologists and Clinicians Must Help Shape the Future of Ethical AI in Mental Health Care.
• Human Connection, Communication, and Trust Still Matter More Than Technology.
• AI Literacy Is Becoming Essential for Parents, Therapists, and Educators.

Connect with Dr. Amber Childs:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberwchilds/

Website: https://www.dramberchilds.com/

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info@waydeai.com

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:37 - How AI Entered Her Work “By Accident” During the Pandemic

06:55 - Teen Skepticism, AI Anxiety & Concerns About Relationships

08:51 - What Parents Are Most Worried About With AI

11:30 - Why Teens Turn to AI for Support & Validation

13:38 - Why Attacking AI or “The Friend” Backfires With Teens

16:00 - Dangerous AI Scenarios Parents Should Watch For

19:52 - Trusted Resources for Parents Navigating AI & Mental Health

22:53 - How Parents Can Start the AI Conversation With Their Teens

25:08 - Why AI Bans May Do More Harm Than Good

29:43 - Where to Follow Dr. Amber Childs Online

30:28 - Final Advice: “Curiosity Is Free”

May 5, 2026 31 min

How AI Is Reshaping PTSD Therapy and Clinician Training with Dr. Philip Held

Season 2, Episode 11

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Philip Held, a clinical psychologist and researcher focused on improving PTSD treatment outcomes through AI and accelerated therapy models. The conversation explores how Dr. Held’s team developed “Socrates 2.0,” a multi-agent AI system designed to support cognitive restructuring through Socratic dialogue alongside evidence-based therapy.

Dr. Held explains how the system uses multiple AI agents to supervise and improve therapeutic conversations in real time, reducing looping behaviors and improving the quality of AI-assisted interactions. The discussion highlights how veterans are using AI as a practice space before therapy sessions, how clinicians are beginning to use these tools for supervision and training, and why validation, safety testing, and clear guardrails are critical as AI becomes more integrated into mental health care.

The episode also explores the future of AI-assisted clinician training, ethical considerations around validation standards, and why curiosity and responsible experimentation are essential as psychology adapts to rapidly advancing technologies.

Takeaways:

• Multi-Agent AI Can Improve the Quality of Therapeutic Conversations.
• AI Tools Can Help Veterans Practice Difficult Conversations Before Therapy Sessions.
• Validation, Safety Testing, and Guardrails Are Essential for Mental Health AI Tools.
• AI Is Best Used as a Support Tool Rather Than a Replacement for Clinicians.
• Clinicians Are Beginning to Use AI for Supervision, Roleplay, and Skill Development.

Connect with Dr. Philip Held

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-held-phd/

Website: https://roadhomeprogram.org/

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info@waydeai.com

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:24 - Dr. Philip Held’s journey into AI and psychology

05:58 - How Socratic dialogue works inside the AI tool

08:24 - Multi-agent AI supervision inspired by clinical training

10:05 - What success looks like for Socrates 2.0

11:30 - The challenge of measuring “good enough” in AI therapy

14:48 - How AI is changing traditional therapy methods

17:00 - How veterans responded to using the AI tool

19:33 - Why validating AI mental health tools matters

23:02 - What responsibilities still belong to clinicians

25:40 - Clinicians’ reactions to AI-assisted therapy tools

27:33 - Future AI applications for clinician training and supervision

30:28 - The need for AI benchmarks, boundaries, and guardrails

34:36 - What “validation” really means in AI mental health

35:45 - Dr. Philip Held’s advice on staying curious about AI

Apr 28, 2026 37 min

How AI Is Changing Human Relationships and Mental Health with Dr. Rachel Wood

Season 2, Episode 10

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Rachel Wood, a cyber psychology researcher, licensed professional counselor, and founder of the AI Mental Health Collective. The discussion explores how artificial intelligence is shifting the relational bedrock of society, noting that clients are increasingly bringing AI into their therapy sessions for advice, comfort, and validation.

Dr. Wood emphasizes that as AI usage becomes more common, therapists should prioritize clinician competence and practice informed consent. She advocates for a cross-disciplinary approach, urging mental health practitioners to collaborate with AI builders to establish safeguards, raise user awareness, and ensure the responsible development of these technologies.

Takeaways:

• AI Is Shifting Client Expectations and Relational Dynamics in Therapy.
• Clinicians Must Prioritize Informed Consent and Their Own AI Competence.
• Clients Often Turn to Chatbots Seeking Validation and Frictionless Interactions.
• Clinical Judgment and Patient Safety Must Always Supersede Any AI Usage.
• Mental Health Professionals Must Claim a Voice at the Table During AI Development.

Connect with Dr. Rachel Wood

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelwoodphd/

Website: https://www.dr-rachelwood.com/

Website: https://www.aimentalhealthcollective.com/

Connect With Us

info@waydeai.com

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https://med.stanford.edu/fastlab.html

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:31 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:04 Dr. Rachel Wood Origin Story

04:01 How AI Impacts Therapy and Client Usage

05:36 Clinician Competence and Informed Consent

07:10 Shifting Expectations and AI Triangulation

09:58 What Clients Get from AI Chatbots

11:24 Clinical Judgment and Attachment Theory

15:24 Practitioner Boundaries and Accountability

18:21 The AI Mental Health Collective

21:20 Responsible AI Integration

23:07 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her

Apr 21, 2026 25 min

Defining the Boundaries of AI in Mental Health with Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman

Season 2, Episode 9

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford and co-director of the Center for Responsible and Effective AI Technology Enhancement for PTSD treatment (CREATE), discusses how large language models can support evidence-based mental health interventions, and can also be used to assist in training therapists through the use of simulated patients.

Dr. Wiltsey Stirman notes that while AI can be a powerful tool for tasks like clinical scribing and reflection, it should supplement rather than replace human therapists, especially regarding complex diagnoses and high-risk scenarios. She highlights the necessity of AI literacy, urging therapists and organizations to prioritize transparency, privacy, and responsible implementation.

Takeaways:

• AI Should Supplement, Not Replace Human Therapists
• Simulated Patients Offer Safe Practice for Clinicians
• AI Diagnostics and High-Risk Treatment Require Firm Boundaries
• Organizations Must Prioritize Transparency and Privacy
• Therapists Need to Increase Their AI Literacy

Connect with Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman

Email: sws1@stanford.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-wiltsey-stirman-3874056/

https://create.stanford.edu/contact

Connect With Us

info@waydeai.com

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:35 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:15 Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman Origin Story

04:54 Realistic AI Capabilities in Therapy Today

07:00 Meaningful AI Implementation in Evidence-Based Care

09:34 What People Get Wrong About AI Tools

12:57 Boundaries Between AI and Human Therapists

15:46 Safe AI Boundaries for Therapists

19:01 Organizational Implementation and Transparency

21:27 The CREATE Center at Stanford

25:06 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her

Apr 7, 2026 26 min

Understanding How Large Language Models (LLMs) Work with Dr. Ernest Wayde

Season 2, Episode 8

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde reveals the real mechanics behind large language models like ChatGPT, demystifying what happens inside these systems when you use them. Whether you're a psychologist or healthcare professional, understanding this process is crucial for responsible use and interpreting AI-generated information accurately.

Takeaways:

• Fluency does not equal accuracy.
• AI operates through pattern matching, not reasoning.
• Training data bakes in human bias.
• The "fine-tuning" stage reflects human values.
• Context is limited to the current prompt.
• Accountability remains with the professional.

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info@waydeai.com

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https://www.hertie-school.org/en/who-we-are/profile/person/bryson

Mar 17, 2026 23 min

AI Ethics, Responsibility, and the Role of Humans in the Age of AI with Dr. Joanna Bryson

Season 2, Episode 7

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Joanna Bryson, professor of Ethics and Technology in Berlin and advisor to organizations including the UN and EU, about what “AI ethics” really means. Dr. Bryson argues it’s not coherent to call AI itself ethical. She argues that the primary concern should be whether and how humans should build and deploy AI and how it may change societies. Dr. Bryson highlights recurring concerns like bias, but stresses broader failures around accountability, surveillance, deception, and weaponization, urging users to maintain agency, verify outputs, protect data, and avoid trusting AI.

Takeaways:

• AI Itself Is Not Ethical—Humans Are Responsible
• Bias Is a Major Concern—but Not the Only One
• Accountability Must Start With Development
• The Information Age Demands Critical Thinking
• Learning and Adaptation Are Essential

Connect with Dr. Joanna Bryson

bryson@hertie-school.org

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info@waydeai.com

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