Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology

Ernest Wayde
  • 4.3 (4)
  • 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. 17h ago

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

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

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

  2. Aug 25

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

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

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

  3. Aug 18

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

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

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

  4. Aug 11

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

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

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

  5. Aug 4

    Psychology in the Age of AI - What Comes Next?

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

    Psychology in the Age of AI - What Comes Next?

  6. May 19

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

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

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

  7. May 12

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

    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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/page-anderson-ph-d-abpp-clinical-psychologist-associate-professor/ Georgia State University: https://psychology.gsu.edu/ Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeaillc https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subscribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ 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

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

  8. May 5

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

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

    Parenting Through the AI Era: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Amber Childs
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4.3
out of 5
4 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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