Will AI Replace Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?

Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.

decision support — Functional assessment aided by data, exam human

Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.

data analysis — Record research or operational data into schemas

Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.

decision support — Neuro/psych diagnosis needs interview, testing, clinical accountability

Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.

text generation — Reports drafted; presentations need human delivery

Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.

interpersonal — Mental health counseling needs trust and accountability

Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.

interpersonal — Mental health counseling needs trust and accountability

Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.

interpersonal — Observation and interviews are inherently human

Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.

data analysis — Outcome data analysis with human interpretation

Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.

interpersonal — Mental health counseling needs trust and accountability

Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.

interpersonal — Mental health counseling needs trust and accountability

Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.

decision support — AI suggests program designs; clinical judgment and evidence human

Maintain current knowledge of relevant research.

information retrieval — AI can search and summarize literature, human curates

Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing individuals, couples, or families and by reviewing records.

information retrieval — Collect archival data from sources

Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals' intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.

interpersonal — Proctoring and standardized administration need human presence

Consult reference material, such as textbooks, manuals, or journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, or develop approaches to treatment.

information retrieval — AI can search and summarize literature, human curates

Consult with or provide consultation to other doctors, therapists, or clinicians regarding patient care.

decision support — Healthcare advice carries liability; human owns it

Advise clients on how they could be helped by counseling.

interpersonal — Mental health counseling needs trust and accountability

Direct, coordinate, and evaluate activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.

interpersonal — Trainee supervision is relational and accountability-bearing

Supervise and train interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.

interpersonal — Staff training is relational and accountability-bearing

Refer clients to other specialists, institutions, or support services as necessary.

decision support — Healthcare advice carries liability; human owns it

Consult with other professionals, agencies, or universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources or techniques, and to share occupational information.

interpersonal — Client assessment collaboration is professional judgment

Develop, direct, and participate in training programs for staff and students.

decision support — Drafts program outlines; institutional design and approval human

Plan and develop accredited psychological service programs in psychiatric centers or hospitals, in collaboration with psychiatrists and other professional staff.

decision support — AI suggests program designs; clinical judgment and evidence human

Provide consulting services, including educational programs, outreach programs, or prevention talks to schools, social service agencies, businesses, or the general public.

decision support — General educational advice; context and trust human

Provide occupational, educational, or other information to individuals so that they can make educational or vocational plans.

interpersonal — Mental health counseling needs trust and accountability

Conduct research to develop or improve diagnostic or therapeutic counseling techniques.

decision support — AI suggests program designs; clinical judgment and evidence human

Prepare written evaluations of individuals' psychological competence for court hearings.

text generation — Reports/evaluations drafted; human owns judgment

Observe individuals at play, in group interactions, or in other contexts to detect indications of cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.

interpersonal — Observation and interviews are inherently human

Plan, supervise, and conduct psychological research and write papers describing research results.

text generation — Reports drafted; presentations need human delivery

Provide psychological or administrative services and advice to private firms or community agencies regarding mental health programs or individual cases.

decision support — Healthcare advice carries liability; human owns it