Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology

Ernest Wayde
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology bridges the gap between psychology and artificial intelligence, offering psychologists across all specialties clear, actionable insights into how AI is transforming the field. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, educator, organizational psychologist, or working in any psychological specialty, this podcast delivers expert perspectives on ethical integration, practical applications, and future developments to help you confidently navigate the digital transformation of our profession. Presented by ABPP and Wayde AI, with sponsorship from the National Register of Health Service Psychologist, this collaboration brings together psychological expertise and technological innovation to explore how AI can enhance psychological work while maintaining professional standards and human connection. Subscribe now to join a growing community of forward-thinking psychologists who are shaping the future of our profession.

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

    4D AGO

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

    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://med.stanford.edu/fastlab.html https://create.stanford.edu/contact https://create.stanford.edu/contact Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ 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

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

    MAR 17

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

    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. Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

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

    MAR 10

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

    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 https://www.hertie-school.org/en/who-we-are/profile/person/bryson Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 00:00 What Is AI Ethics 00:23 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:06 Dr. Joanna Bryson Origin Story 05:38 From AI Research to Ethics 07:08 Ethical AI Misconceptions 09:02 Policy Failures and Liability 10:57 Beyond Bias Surveillance Risks 12:30 Everyday User Responsibility 15:23 AI and Mental Health Use 16:46 EU Rules and Bot Disclosure 17:51 Scams Surveillance and Freedom 20:30 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her

    22 min
  4. AI and Teens: Navigating Mental Health in the Digital Age with Dr. Caroline Figueroa

    MAR 3

    AI and Teens: Navigating Mental Health in the Digital Age with Dr. Caroline Figueroa

    In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde engages with Dr. Caroline Figueroa, who discusses her extensive background in mental health, neuroscience, and AI. They explore how AI tools are being utilized by youth for emotional support, the implications for psychologists, and the importance of involving young people in the design and regulation of these technologies. The conversation highlights the need for responsible AI frameworks, discussing AI use with young people, and the challenges faced by mental health professionals. Takeaways: Many young people find AI chatbots helpful. Psychologists should ask about AI use in therapy. Some young people recognize AI's limitations. Involving youth in AI design is crucial. Banning AI for youth may not be effective. AI can support but shouldn't replace human interaction. Connect with Dr. Caroline Figueroa https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-figueroa-md-phd-85a11485/ https://www.commonwealthfund.org/person/caroline-figueroa https://www.risedigitalhealth.eu/ Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

    31 min
  5. Wellness AI for College Student Wellbeing with Dr. Ashleigh Golden

    FEB 24

    Wellness AI for College Student Wellbeing with Dr. Ashleigh Golden

    In this episode of Beyond the Couch, host Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Ashleigh Golden, a Stanford trained clinical psychologist and co-founder of WayHaven, to explore the transformative role of conversational AI in student wellness. Dr. Golden and Dr. Wayde discuss the upstream model of care: using AI not as a replacement for therapy, but as a proactive tool to help students build social emotional skills and navigate campus resources before they reach a clinical crisis. Dr. Golden emphasizes that while technology is evolving rapidly, the clinician must remain in the driver’s seat, using these tools to supplement evidence-based treatment and bridge the action implementation gap between sessions. Takeaways Wayhaven serves as a well-being coach for college students, addressing everyday challenges.AI tools like Wayhaven are not substitutes for clinical services but provide proactive support.Transparency about AI's capabilities and limitations is crucial for users.Clinicians must remain involved in the development of AI tools to ensure ethical use.Banning AI in mental health is not the solution; better safeguards are needed.Understanding the risks associated with AI usage is essential for clinicians.Collaboration between clinicians and AI developers can enhance mental health support. Connect With Dr. Ashleigh Golden https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-golden/ https://www.wayhaven.com/ Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

    32 min
  6. What AI Is Doing to Us as Psychologists with Dr. Ernest Wayde

    FEB 17

    What AI Is Doing to Us as Psychologists with Dr. Ernest Wayde

    In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde explores the integration of AI in psychology, discussing its practical applications, benefits, and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of ethical use, the impact on cognitive load, and the necessity of validation in AI outputs. The conversation highlights how AI can enhance efficiency in writing and decision-making while also stressing the need for critical thinking and professional responsibility in the face of rapidly evolving technology. Takeaways AI reduces cognitive load, allowing for more focus on judgment. Writing processes are transformed by AI, making it easier to start. Trust in AI outputs requires careful validation. Fluency in AI-generated content does not guarantee accuracy. AI redistributes cognitive effort but not accountability. Deliberate judgment is increasingly important in accelerated environments. Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

    13 min
  7. Will AI Replace Your Therapist? The Future of Mental Health Care

    FEB 3

    Will AI Replace Your Therapist? The Future of Mental Health Care

    In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Vaile Wright, the inaugural senior director of the Office of Healthcare Innovation at the American Psychological Association. They discuss the intersection of AI and psychology, exploring how technology can improve mental health care, the hesitancy among psychologists to adopt AI tools, and the importance of maintaining human connection in therapy. Dr. Wright shares insights on the current landscape of AI applications in mental health, the role of policy and regulation, and the guidance provided by the APA for psychologists navigating this evolving field. Takeaways The future of therapy may involve integrating AI responsibly. Human connection remains essential in therapeutic settings. Policy and regulation around AI in psychology are still developing. Psychologists need to educate themselves about AI tools. AI can help fill gaps in mental health care access. Curiosity about AI can lead to innovative applications in practice. How APA is providing help to psychologists navigate AI use. Connect with Dr. Vaile Wright Website: apa.org Email: ohci@apa.org LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/c-vaile-wright-ph-d-599000b8

    31 min
  8. When Chatbots Become “Best Friends”: Clinical Implications with Dr. Don Grant

    JAN 20

    When Chatbots Become “Best Friends”: Clinical Implications with Dr. Don Grant

    In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Don Grant, a media psychologist, about the intersection of AI and mental health. They discuss the implications of AI on socialization, the rise of chatbots, and the potential dangers of relying on AI for mental health support. Dr. Grant emphasizes the importance of understanding technology as a tool, the need for parents and clinicians to engage with children about their use of AI, and the responsibilities that come with it. Takeaways • AI has been embedded in many platforms for a long time, influencing user behavior. • Chatbots can provide support but are not substitutes for professional mental health care. • The availability of chatbots raises concerns about misinformation and lack of accountability. • Parents should engage with their children about their use of AI and chatbots. • Clinicians must assess if their clients are using chatbots and understand their impact. • AI can create a false sense of companionship and validation for users. • AI is a tool that should be used responsibly, especially in mental health contexts. Connect with Dr. Don Grant Email: drdej@gmail.com LinkedIn Website

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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3 Ratings

About

Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology bridges the gap between psychology and artificial intelligence, offering psychologists across all specialties clear, actionable insights into how AI is transforming the field. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, educator, organizational psychologist, or working in any psychological specialty, this podcast delivers expert perspectives on ethical integration, practical applications, and future developments to help you confidently navigate the digital transformation of our profession. Presented by ABPP and Wayde AI, with sponsorship from the National Register of Health Service Psychologist, this collaboration brings together psychological expertise and technological innovation to explore how AI can enhance psychological work while maintaining professional standards and human connection. Subscribe now to join a growing community of forward-thinking psychologists who are shaping the future of our profession.

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