Perceived threats to professional autonomy: Exploring mental health counselors’ experiences with AI tools
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Sunny Ho, Ph.D.
Presentation Type
Event
Project Type
Research proposal
Primary Department
Psychology
Description
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into mental health care is reshaping therapeutic practice. This research proposal explores how AI may pose a perceived threat to professional autonomy among Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs). Researchers warn that increased reliance on AI could undermine clinical judgment (Haber, 2024). Using an exploratory qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews will examine how LMHCs define autonomy and experience AI’s influence on their roles. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and relational autonomy, this research aims to inform ethical AI design and contribute to mental health innovation by preserving the integrity and well-being of the clinical workforce.
Copyright Status
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Additional Rights Information
Copyright held by author(s).
Perceived threats to professional autonomy: Exploring mental health counselors’ experiences with AI tools
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into mental health care is reshaping therapeutic practice. This research proposal explores how AI may pose a perceived threat to professional autonomy among Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs). Researchers warn that increased reliance on AI could undermine clinical judgment (Haber, 2024). Using an exploratory qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews will examine how LMHCs define autonomy and experience AI’s influence on their roles. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and relational autonomy, this research aims to inform ethical AI design and contribute to mental health innovation by preserving the integrity and well-being of the clinical workforce.
Rights Statement
