As psychologists, we are trained to listen, analyze, and navigate the complexities of human experience. As the CEO of The Trust, I view our profession through a slightly wider lens, one that looks not just at the individual practitioner, but at the health, safety, and future of the field as a whole.
Lately, one topic has dominated conversations in boardrooms and clinical consultations alike: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
As leader of The Trust, I am evaluating the promises and challenges of this powerful tool for both business operations and clinical practice. I am already seeing the value of applying AI to the business side of insurance, finding new ways to modernize our operations to serve you better.
The promise that AI offers business is also applicable to mental healthcare; its ability to streamline practice management and assist in synthesizing and documenting information is undeniable. We are a profession of helpers, and tools that help us function more efficiently can, in theory, free us up to do what we do best: care for our clients and patients.
As a psychologist, I am acutely aware of how transitions in our field can create uncertainty for providers.
This new technology is moving fast, much faster than regulations or guidelines can keep up. As many in professional practice know, ‘innovation’ without ‘ethics’ is a dangerous proposition.
I hear from many of you who are feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. You are asking the right questions:
How do I use these tools without compromising patient privacy?
Where is the line between administrative assistance and clinical judgment?
How do I find credible, vetted resources in a sea of complex options?
These are not just technical challenges; they are ethical ones. And they go to the heart of what The Trust stands for.
Our mission has always been to protect, support, and reinforce the quality of the psychology profession. We don’t just sell insurance; we provide the risk management resources and guardrails that allow you to practice with confidence.
That is why we are making a commitment to you.
We plan to take our decades of expertise in risk management and ethics and apply that rigorous lens to the world of AI. Just as we have helped guide the profession through changes in HIPAA, telepsychology, and interjurisdictional practice, we will be here to help guide you through the AI revolution.
We are currently working with experts to develop resources that will help you:
- Evaluate AI tools for clinical safety and data security.
- Understand the ethical nuances of using AI in your practice.
- Distinguish between helpful innovation and professional liability.
We believe you shouldn’t have to navigate this wilderness alone. You need a partner who understands the unique vulnerability of the therapeutic relationship and the rigorous professional standards to which we hold ourselves. For the Trust, we will continue to ensure that we are using best business practices with AI, as well as monitoring developments in the field of psychology and educating you on clinical guidelines as they continue to emerge.
The future of psychology is bright, and technology will continue to play an increasing role in it. Let’s ensure that as we move forward, we do so with our eyes wide open, our ethics intact, and the public’s health and well-being as our north star.
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, know that we are here to support you.
