A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) reveals a significant increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools among psychologists. The survey, titled “2025 full report,” shows that 56% of psychologists are now utilizing AI technology in their practices, up from just 29% last year. This incredible increase is indicative of providers and patients alike embracing the use of AI in the mental health space. It raises significant concerns with respect to data privacy and ethical implications.
Cami Winkelspecht, an independent child and adolescent psychologist in Wilmington, DE. As she does that, she is starting to incorporate AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini into her practice. Winkelspecht’s passion comes from her patients who have recently been coming to her asking how to use AI responsibly.
One of the interesting questions that kids and teenagers, in particular, brought in is how can you utilize AI to help support ideas or editing process or things like that for papers and assignments and presentations, but make sure that you’re not utilizing it to write something for you, so that you’re not violating your school’s honor code, Winkelspecht explained.
Her experience isn’t unique. Nearly one-third of psychologists surveyed say they use AI tools at least once a month. This sudden increase is a sign of increasing familiarity among mental health professionals with the potential of AI technology.
This booming use raises significant problems. Over 60% of psychologists said they were concerned about data threats linked to the use of AI tools. Just as there are strong, rising concerns over biased AI inputs and outputs, there is mounting concern over social harms tied to these technologies.
Wright, a former president of the APA, echoed the urgency of the times, encouraging psychologists to tread in these difficult waters with humility and caution. “What’s clear to us is that we need to help continue to provide both resources to members so that they can effectively and responsibly incorporate these types of technologies,” Wright stated.
The APA survey underscores that while psychologists see potential opportunities for enhancing their efficiency through AI, they must address the ethical dilemmas that arise. “Psychologists are seeing potential opportunities to incorporate AI into their practices, by making their work more efficient, which we think could have downstream effects to reducing burnout, reducing those aspects of the workplace that people don’t particularly enjoy,” Wright added.
