AI in the Clinical Relationship: Responsible Use and Client Care

AI Foundations for Social Work Practice

Artificial intelligence is increasingly present in clinical practice through documentation systems, client-facing mental health apps and chatbots, and other technologies encountered by social workers and the people they serve. This session examines what happens when AI becomes part of the clinical relationship and how social workers can respond to its presence in ways that support ethical practice and client care.

Participants will explore professional responsibilities related to informed consent, confidentiality, client data, and the use of AI-generated information in clinical work. The session also examines how to respond when clients use AI for emotional support, information, or decision making, including considerations related to the therapeutic relationship, treatment planning, and client self-determination.

Participants will leave with practical considerations for discussing AI with clients, applying professional judgement when AI is present in clinical work, and maintaining social work values when technology intersects with client care.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify ways artificial intelligence may enter the clinical relationship, including through documentation systems, client-facing mental health apps and chatbots, and client use of AI-generated information or support.

2. Describe social work responsibilities related to informed consent, confidentiality, client data, and professional judgement when AI is involved in clinical practice.

3. Examine how client use of AI may affect the therapeutic relationship, treatment planning, and client self-determination.

4. Identify strategies for discussing AI use with clients and integrating conversations about AI into clinical practice while maintaining social work values and ethical responsibilities.

CEU's: 3 hours of Maryland CEU's awarded for Category I

This is a virtual event via Zoom. The Zoom link to attend the workshop will be sent out via email 1-week prior to the event.