Cyberpsychology, Artificial Intelligence, and Mental Healthcare: Mini Course

About This Course

Digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) have quickly become integrated into many aspects of people’s daily lives, from personal assistants, apps, chatbots, and the algorithms that drive social media feeds. While AI has the potential to revolutionize the way people live and work, it is not without its potential drawbacks to human connection and mental well-being. This course will discuss the psychological impact of AI, its implications on social, emotional, and spiritual health, and clinical application for mental health professionals. With the increased demand for mental health services, AI is strongly considered a potential solution to the shortage of mental health providers. This course will also review the progression and ability of machine learning, ethical dilemmas, and current research into AI’s use in mental health service delivery. 

Learning Objectives    

Participants will…

1. Review the foundations of Cyberpsychology and how digital technology impacts human attitudes, behaviors, beliefs and interactions.
2. Identify ethical issues, challenges, and risks associated with AI-based tools in research, clinical practice, and client care.
3. Develop literacy of advanced AI technologies and practical therapeutic applications.

Lesson Titles and Summaries

CAIM 101: Foundations of Cyberpsychology: A Framework for Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI), Emerging Technologies and Mental Health
Jason VanRuler, M.A.

As digital technologies increasingly permeate various aspects of life, there has been a significant surge in interest in cyberpsychology, which merges psychology and technology. This lesson will discuss the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), human interaction with technology, and implications on mental health.

CAIM 102: Ethical Issues, Challenges and Applications of AI in Mental Healthcare
Jason VanRuler, M.A.

As new mental health technology algorithms and chatbots become available, a few crucial questions have emerged for mental health professionals. Is AI in mental healthcare safe and ethical for public use and client care? What protections could help ensure data privacy and security, transparency, bias, and accountability for clients? This lesson will review the progression and ability of machine learning, ethical dilemmas, and current research into AI’s use in mental health service delivery.

Presenter

Jason VanRuler, M.A., is one of the most sought-after therapists on relationships, business, and mindset. He has been featured on top national news outlets, spoken on stage to thousands, and is the author of Get Past Your Past (Zondervan, 2023).

Continuing Education Approval Statements

Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this course
NBCC, IBCC, ACSI, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, (accepted by the SOH, CSWMFTB), South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselor & Marriage and Family Therapists , South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists, North Carolina Board of Licensed Mental Health Counselors

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due for good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements.  

Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required continuing education hours. For more information Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit: https://lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/ 

Date Created: August 20th, 2024