The new wave: Integrating artificial intelligence into ethical and multicultural counselling

Abstract

BackgroundThe disruptive forces of the COVID‐19 pandemic offer an example of how cutting‐edge innovations such as telehealth became established in society. Simultaneous to the rise of telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced rapidly and with the potential to further disrupt services across the spectrum of technology and healthcare delivery. Deemed as the next frontier in the mental health field, AI technology has introduced cutting‐edge innovations within human‐centred fields across disciplines (Espejo [Academic Psychiatry, 47, 437 and 2023]). This paper calls into question the transformative potential of AI in a field, such as psychotherapy and professional counselling, which is significantly based on human relations. As professional counsellors, it is imperative that AI does not dehumanise effective services based on empathy and positive regard.ObjectivesThis article reviews the current landscape of AI and counselling research and offers two main messages: (1) what new or revised ethical standards are needed for clinical practice to prevent negative consequences of improper use when integrating AI and (2) the practical implications for effective multicultural counselling when integrating AI into psychotherapy and counselling services.