Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI is transforming psychology. Are you ready? | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:02:00 | |
Join Dr. Ernest Wayde, psychologist and AI strategist, for essential conversations about AI's impact on the field of psychology, clinical care, research, practice and more. No tech background required—just curiosity about the future of our profession. Topics include: Psychology, Clinical AI integration, Research innovation, Ethics, Professional development This show is for Psychologists ready to shape, not just survive, the AI revolution. Subscribe and join us! | |||
| From Skeptic to Daily User: Setting the Stage for AI in Psychology | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:31:48 | |
Welcome to the Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology Podcast! In this inaugural episode of 'Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology', Dr. Ernest Wayde and Dr. Jeni McCutcheon explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and psychology. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI in mental health practices, the ethical considerations surrounding its use, and the potential future of AI in the field. Dr. McCutcheon shares her journey of integrating AI into her clinical practice, highlighting both the benefits and challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of ethical practices, transparency, and the collaborative potential of AI in enhancing psychological services. Takeaways include: • AI is transforming the landscape of psychology and mental health. • AI can enhance efficiency in clinical practice, saving time and improving outcomes. • Ethical considerations are paramount when using AI in therapy. • Transparency with clients about AI use is essential for ethical practice. • The future of psychology will increasingly involve AI as a tool for clinicians. To learn more about Dr. Jeni McCutcheon, visit her website at www.drjeni.org or on her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeni-mccutcheon-psy-d-m-s-c-p-abpp-58b7509/ | |||
| AI as Your Therapy Assistant: How Technology Can Enhance Mental Health Practice | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:35:47 | |
In this conversation on the Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology Podcast, Dr. Ernest Wayde and Dr. David Cooper explore the intersection of AI and psychology, discussing how AI can assist therapists in their work, the fears surrounding AI replacing human therapists, and the practical applications of AI in mental health. They emphasize the importance of psychologists being involved in the development of AI tools and the need for ethical guidelines as AI continues to evolve in the field. The discussion also highlights the potential for AI to augment therapeutic practices rather than replace them, encouraging psychologists to embrace technology as a valuable resource. Takeaways include: • AI can assist therapists in their work. • There is a need for psychologists to be involved in AI development. • The fear of AI replacing therapists is largely unfounded. • AI can enhance the therapeutic process rather than replace it. • Ethical guidelines for AI in mental health are essential. Connect with Dr. Cooper at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdccooper/ | |||
| Transforming Clinical Practice with Dr. Dylan Ross | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:38:16 | |
In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde and Dr. Dylan Ross discuss the integration of AI in psychology and clinical practice. They explore how AI is transforming treatment planning, the role of AI scribes in reducing clinician workload, and the future of AI in mental health. Dr. Ross emphasizes the importance of psychologists in the development of AI tools to ensure quality and safety in mental health care. The conversation also highlights the need for clinicians to engage with technology and find communities that support their professional growth in this evolving landscape. Takeaways include: • Treatment planning is evolving with AI integration. • AI scribes can significantly reduce documentation time. • AI tools can enhance clinician efficiency and focus on care. • The future of psychology will involve more technology integration. • Psychologists must be involved in AI tool development. • AI won't replace clinicians but will augment their roles. | |||
| Psychological Report Writing in the Age of AI: Human Judgment vs. Machine Speed with Dr. Adam Lockwood | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:33:45 | |
What happens when AI can write a psychological report in under two minutes — and licensed psychologists take hours? In this episode of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde talks with Dr. Adam Lockwood about the disruptive role of AI in psychological report writing. They explore how AI compares to human-written reports, where clinicians see value and risks, and what this means for the future of psychology. Key Takeaways:
For more of Dr. Lockwood’s insights and commentary on emerging AI research in psychology, visit his blog at LockwoodConsulting.net | |||
| Navigating AI Ethics in Psychology with Dr. Lindsay Childress-Beatty | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:30:38 | |
In this conversation, Dr. Ernest Wayde and Dr. Lindsay Childress Beatty explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and psychology, focusing on the ethical implications, the importance of competence, and the evolving role of psychologists in the development and application of AI technologies. They discuss the need for ethical guidelines, the challenges posed by rapid advancements in AI, and the necessity of integrating cultural competency into AI design. The conversation emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and ethical frameworks in preparing future psychologists for a landscape increasingly influenced by AI. Takeaways include: • AI is a growing field in psychology that requires ethical considerations. • The integration of AI in psychology must prioritize human involvement. • Competence in understanding AI tools is essential for psychologists. • Psychologists should be involved in AI design to address ethical issues. • Education must adapt to teach future psychologists about AI. | |||
| Dirty, Dull, and Dangerous: AI, Exposure Therapy, and the Future of Clinical Practice with Dr. Andrew Sherrill | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:40:29 | |
In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde speaks with Dr. Andrew Sherrill, an Emory psychologist specializing in anxiety, PTSD, and OCD, to explore how AI can support—not replace—clinicians. Dr. Sherrill explains how automation can take on the dirty, dull, and dangerous tasks that bog down therapists, freeing them to focus on empathy and evidence-based care. Drawing from exposure therapy, he offers a powerful parallel for psychologists learning to face their own “AI anxiety.” By approaching new technology the same way we help clients face fears—gradually, with curiosity and compassion—clinicians can engage with AI ethically, creatively, and confidently. Takeaways:
Guest Links: Dr. Andrew M. Sherrill | evidencefirstsolutions.com AI studies with clinicians registry: http://bit.ly/TEAMMAIT_Study | |||
| When Chatbots Become “Best Friends”: Clinical Implications with Dr. Don Grant | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:47:47 | |
In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Don Grant, a media psychologist, about the intersection of AI and mental health. They discuss the implications of AI on socialization, the rise of chatbots, and the potential dangers of relying on AI for mental health support. Dr. Grant emphasizes the importance of understanding technology as a tool, the need for parents and clinicians to engage with children about their use of AI, and the responsibilities that come with it.
Takeaways • AI has been embedded in many platforms for a long time, influencing user behavior. • Chatbots can provide support but are not substitutes for professional mental health care. • The availability of chatbots raises concerns about misinformation and lack of accountability. • Parents should engage with their children about their use of AI and chatbots. • Clinicians must assess if their clients are using chatbots and understand their impact. • AI can create a false sense of companionship and validation for users. • AI is a tool that should be used responsibly, especially in mental health contexts.
Connect with Dr. Don Grant Email: drdej@gmail.com | |||
| Navigating AI in Psychology: A New Era | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:14:30 | |
In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde discusses the intersection of AI and psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding AI's limitations and the irreplaceable aspects of human psychological expertise. He explores the therapeutic relationship, highlighting the differences between human and AI interactions, and introduces the WAYDE AI Three Questions Assessment to help psychologists building awareness and make informed decisions about AI development related to their practice. The conversation aims to foster clarity and agency among psychologists as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI in mental health care. Key takeaways include: • AI cannot replace the irreducible core of psychological expertise. • A real therapeutic relationship is a mutual two-way process. • AI treats you as an object to be optimized, not a subject to be understood. • AI can simulate empathy, but it can't hold responsibility. • Educating clients about AI vs human therapy is crucial. • AI can help clinicians reduce administrative load. • Emotional solipsism can arise from AI interactions. • We need to talk about how to think about AI clearly. Resources & Links Mentioned: • First Therapy Chatbot Trial Yields Mental Health Benefits | Dartmouth • The Story of ELIZA: The AI That Fooled the World Connect With Us • https://www.waydeai.com/ • https://www.facebook.com/waydeai • https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ • info@waydeai.com | |||
| AI and Teens: Navigating Mental Health in the Digital Age with Dr. Caroline Figueroa | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:30:30 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde engages with Dr. Caroline Figueroa, who discusses her extensive background in mental health, neuroscience, and AI. They explore how AI tools are being utilized by youth for emotional support, the implications for psychologists, and the importance of involving young people in the design and regulation of these technologies. The conversation highlights the need for responsible AI frameworks, discussing AI use with young people, and the challenges faced by mental health professionals.
Takeaways:
Connect with Dr. Caroline Figueroa https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-figueroa-md-phd-85a11485/ https://www.commonwealthfund.org/person/caroline-figueroa https://www.risedigitalhealth.eu/
Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/
Subcribe | |||
| Wellness AI for College Student Wellbeing with Dr. Ashleigh Golden | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:32:29 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, host Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Ashleigh Golden, a Stanford trained clinical psychologist and co-founder of WayHaven, to explore the transformative role of conversational AI in student wellness. Dr. Golden and Dr. Wayde discuss the upstream model of care: using AI not as a replacement for therapy, but as a proactive tool to help students build social emotional skills and navigate campus resources before they reach a clinical crisis. Dr. Golden emphasizes that while technology is evolving rapidly, the clinician must remain in the driver’s seat, using these tools to supplement evidence-based treatment and bridge the action implementation gap between sessions. Takeaways
Connect With Dr. Ashleigh Golden https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-golden/ Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ Subcribe | |||
| What AI Is Doing to Us as Psychologists with Dr. Ernest Wayde | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:12:48 | |
In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde explores the integration of AI in psychology, discussing its practical applications, benefits, and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of ethical use, the impact on cognitive load, and the necessity of validation in AI outputs. The conversation highlights how AI can enhance efficiency in writing and decision-making while also stressing the need for critical thinking and professional responsibility in the face of rapidly evolving technology.
Takeaways
Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com
Subcribe | |||
| Will AI Replace Your Therapist? The Future of Mental Health Care | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:31:19 | |
In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Vaile Wright, the inaugural senior director of the Office of Healthcare Innovation at the American Psychological Association. They discuss the intersection of AI and psychology, exploring how technology can improve mental health care, the hesitancy among psychologists to adopt AI tools, and the importance of maintaining human connection in therapy. Dr. Wright shares insights on the current landscape of AI applications in mental health, the role of policy and regulation, and the guidance provided by the APA for psychologists navigating this evolving field.
Takeaways The future of therapy may involve integrating AI responsibly. Human connection remains essential in therapeutic settings. Policy and regulation around AI in psychology are still developing. Psychologists need to educate themselves about AI tools. AI can help fill gaps in mental health care access. Curiosity about AI can lead to innovative applications in practice. How APA is providing help to psychologists navigate AI use.
Connect with Dr. Vaile Wright Website: apa.org Email: ohci@apa.org | |||
| AI Ethics, Responsibility, and the Role of Humans in the Age of AI with Dr. Joanna Bryson | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:22:04 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Joanna Bryson, professor of Ethics and Technology in Berlin and advisor to organizations including the UN and EU, about what “AI ethics” really means. Dr. Bryson argues it’s not coherent to call AI itself ethical. She argues that the primary concern should be whether and how humans should build and deploy AI and how it may change societies. Dr. Bryson highlights recurring concerns like bias, but stresses broader failures around accountability, surveillance, deception, and weaponization, urging users to maintain agency, verify outputs, protect data, and avoid trusting AI.
Takeaways:
Connect with Dr. Joanna Bryson https://www.hertie-school.org/en/who-we-are/profile/person/bryson
Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/
Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/
Chapters: 00:00 What Is AI Ethics 00:23 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:06 Dr. Joanna Bryson Origin Story 05:38 From AI Research to Ethics 07:08 Ethical AI Misconceptions 09:02 Policy Failures and Liability 10:57 Beyond Bias Surveillance Risks 12:30 Everyday User Responsibility 15:23 AI and Mental Health Use 16:46 EU Rules and Bot Disclosure 17:51 Scams Surveillance and Freedom 20:30 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her | |||
| How AI Is Changing Human Relationships and Mental Health with Dr. Rachel Wood | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:24:44 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Rachel Wood, a cyber psychology researcher, licensed professional counselor, and founder of the AI Mental Health Collective. The discussion explores how artificial intelligence is shifting the relational bedrock of society, noting that clients are increasingly bringing AI into their therapy sessions for advice, comfort, and validation. Dr. Wood emphasizes that as AI usage becomes more common, therapists should prioritize clinician competence and practice informed consent. She advocates for a cross-disciplinary approach, urging mental health practitioners to collaborate with AI builders to establish safeguards, raise user awareness, and ensure the responsible development of these technologies. Takeaways:
Connect with Dr. Rachel Wood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelwoodphd/ Website: https://www.dr-rachelwood.com/ Website: https://www.aimentalhealthcollective.com/ Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:31 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:04 Dr. Rachel Wood Origin Story 04:01 How AI Impacts Therapy and Client Usage 05:36 Clinician Competence and Informed Consent 07:10 Shifting Expectations and AI Triangulation 09:58 What Clients Get from AI Chatbots 11:24 Clinical Judgment and Attachment Theory 15:24 Practitioner Boundaries and Accountability 18:21 The AI Mental Health Collective 21:20 Responsible AI Integration 23:07 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her | |||
| Defining the Boundaries of AI in Mental Health with Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:26:18 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford and co-director of the Center for Responsible and Effective AI Technology Enhancement for PTSD treatment (CREATE), discusses how large language models can support evidence-based mental health interventions, and can also be used to assist in training therapists through the use of simulated patients. Dr. Wiltsey Stirman notes that while AI can be a powerful tool for tasks like clinical scribing and reflection, it should supplement rather than replace human therapists, especially regarding complex diagnoses and high-risk scenarios. She highlights the necessity of AI literacy, urging therapists and organizations to prioritize transparency, privacy, and responsible implementation.
Takeaways:
Connect with Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman Email: sws1@stanford.edu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-wiltsey-stirman-3874056/ https://med.stanford.edu/fastlab.html https://create.stanford.edu/contact https://create.stanford.edu/contact
Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/
Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:35 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:15 Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman Origin Story 04:54 Realistic AI Capabilities in Therapy Today 07:00 Meaningful AI Implementation in Evidence-Based Care 09:34 What People Get Wrong About AI Tools 12:57 Boundaries Between AI and Human Therapists 15:46 Safe AI Boundaries for Therapists 19:01 Organizational Implementation and Transparency 21:27 The CREATE Center at Stanford 25:06 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her | |||
| Understanding How Large Language Models (LLMs) Work with Dr. Ernest Wayde | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:22:41 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde reveals the real mechanics behind large language models like ChatGPT, demystifying what happens inside these systems when you use them. Whether you're a psychologist or healthcare professional, understanding this process is crucial for responsible use and interpreting AI-generated information accurately.
Takeaways:
Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/
Subcribe | |||
| How AI Is Reshaping PTSD Therapy and Clinician Training with Dr. Philip Held | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:37:04 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Philip Held, a clinical psychologist and researcher focused on improving PTSD treatment outcomes through AI and accelerated therapy models. The conversation explores how Dr. Held’s team developed “Socrates 2.0,” a multi-agent AI system designed to support cognitive restructuring through Socratic dialogue alongside evidence-based therapy. Dr. Held explains how the system uses multiple AI agents to supervise and improve therapeutic conversations in real time, reducing looping behaviors and improving the quality of AI-assisted interactions. The discussion highlights how veterans are using AI as a practice space before therapy sessions, how clinicians are beginning to use these tools for supervision and training, and why validation, safety testing, and clear guardrails are critical as AI becomes more integrated into mental health care. The episode also explores the future of AI-assisted clinician training, ethical considerations around validation standards, and why curiosity and responsible experimentation are essential as psychology adapts to rapidly advancing technologies. Takeaways:
Connect with Dr. Philip Held LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-held-phd/ Website: https://roadhomeprogram.org/ Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:24 - Dr. Philip Held’s journey into AI and psychology 05:58 - How Socratic dialogue works inside the AI tool 08:24 - Multi-agent AI supervision inspired by clinical training 10:05 - What success looks like for Socrates 2.0 11:30 - The challenge of measuring “good enough” in AI therapy 14:48 - How AI is changing traditional therapy methods 17:00 - How veterans responded to using the AI tool 19:33 - Why validating AI mental health tools matters 23:02 - What responsibilities still belong to clinicians 25:40 - Clinicians’ reactions to AI-assisted therapy tools 27:33 - Future AI applications for clinician training and supervision 30:28 - The need for AI benchmarks, boundaries, and guardrails 34:36 - What “validation” really means in AI mental health 35:45 - Dr. Philip Held’s advice on staying curious about AI | |||
| Parenting Through the AI Era: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Amber Childs | 05 May 2026 | 00:31:27 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Amber Childs, child and adolescent psychiatrist, Yale School of Medicine associate professor, and founder of Dr. Amber Childs Advisory. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the lives of teens, parents, clinicians, and the future of mental health care. Dr. Childs shares how her unexpected journey into AI began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she rapidly helped scale telehealth services for adolescent psychiatry at Yale. She discusses how teens are already integrating AI into their daily lives for learning, emotional support, curiosity, and mental health conversations, often turning to chatbots when trusted human support feels unavailable. The discussion also highlights the fears many parents experience around AI, the importance of curiosity-driven conversations instead of fear-based reactions, and why bans alone may fail to protect young people. Dr. Childs emphasizes that clinicians, caregivers, and psychologists must stay engaged with technology, develop AI literacy, and help shape safer, evidence-based solutions that support human connection rather than replace it. Takeaways:
Connect with Dr. Amber Childs: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberwchilds/ Website: https://www.dramberchilds.com/ Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subscribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:37 - How AI Entered Her Work “By Accident” During the Pandemic 06:55 - Teen Skepticism, AI Anxiety & Concerns About Relationships 08:51 - What Parents Are Most Worried About With AI 11:30 - Why Teens Turn to AI for Support & Validation 13:38 - Why Attacking AI or “The Friend” Backfires With Teens 16:00 - Dangerous AI Scenarios Parents Should Watch For 19:52 - Trusted Resources for Parents Navigating AI & Mental Health 22:53 - How Parents Can Start the AI Conversation With Their Teens 25:08 - Why AI Bans May Do More Harm Than Good 29:43 - Where to Follow Dr. Amber Childs Online 30:28 - Final Advice: “Curiosity Is Free” | |||
| Teaching Students to Think With AI, Not Around It with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer | 19 May 2026 | 00:39:45 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer, learning scientist, educator, and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming education, writing, critical thinking, and the future of learning. Dr. David Williamson Shaffer shares his journey from classroom teacher to leading researcher in learning analytics and AI in education. He reflects on how the rise of computers, the internet, and now generative AI have fundamentally changed the way humans think, learn, and interact with information. The conversation explores why traditional education systems may no longer fit a world shaped by AI, how educators can rethink assignments and classroom learning, and why the goal should not be preventing AI use but teaching students how to collaborate with it responsibly. He also discusses the importance of critical thinking, ethical AI use, AI literacy, and why learning with technology may matter more than learning without it. The episode also dives into practical examples of AI in classrooms, the risks of overreliance on AI, responsible use in academic writing and research, and why educators, clinicians, and researchers must actively engage with AI instead of avoiding it. Takeaways:
Connect with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer Website: https://edpsych.education.wisc.edu/fac-staff/williamson-shaffer-david/ Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeaillc https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ Subscribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:33 - From Teacher to AI & Learning Science Researcher 06:00 - How AI Is Disrupting Education 10:03 - Why Predicting AI’s Future Is Nearly Impossible 11:19 - Understanding “Pedagogical Content Knowledge” 14:24 - Why Everyone Should Start Using AI 16:46 - Why Teachers Can’t Solve This Alone 22:08 - “Betty’s Brain” & Teaching Through AI Feedback 25:38 - Using AI to Learn Across Languages 28:30 - The MIT Study on Writing With AI 31:10 - “If AI Makes a Mistake, You Made the Mistake” 33:46 - “Effects Of” vs “Effects With” Technology 37:37 - The Importance of Personally Using AI | |||
| AI, Therapy & Human Connection: What Psychologists Need to Know with Dr. Page Anderson | 12 May 2026 | 00:32:49 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Page Anderson, clinical psychologist, researcher, and associate professor at Georgia State University, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping mental health care, psychology training, and the future of therapy. Dr. Anderson shares her unexpected journey into digital mental health, from working in one of the earliest virtual reality exposure therapy companies to seeing firsthand how AI-powered assistive technology transformed her son’s independence and daily life. The conversation dives into the growing reality that people, especially younger generations, are already using AI tools for emotional support, mental health guidance, and therapy-like conversations, often before speaking to a clinician. The discussion explores the opportunities and risks of AI in psychology, including accessibility to support, the “validation problem” with chatbots, ethical concerns around privacy and data use, and the growing need for AI literacy among clinicians, students, and educators. Dr. Anderson also explains why psychologists must remain actively involved in shaping ethical standards, training, and policy around AI instead of avoiding the technology altogether. Throughout the episode, both guests emphasize that while AI may become a powerful assistive tool, human relationships, critical thinking, ethics, and clinical judgment remain essential to effective mental health care. Takeaways:
Connect with Dr. Page Anderson
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/page-anderson-ph-d-abpp-clinical-psychologist-associate-professor/ Georgia State University: Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeaillc https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/
Subscribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/
Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:40 - “I’m Not a Tech Person” (Origin Story) 04:40 - Personal Story: AI Changing Her Son’s Life 07:08 - Barriers to Traditional Therapy 09:25 - Do Psychologists Still Have a Role? 11:22 - Why Training Comes First 13:30 - The AI Training Gap in Education 17:50 - AI vs Real Therapy (Key Differences) 19:30 - Personalized Therapy Materials with AI 23:00 - Why Critical Thinking Matters Most 24:53 - Where Psychologists Should Start 29:01 - Final Advice for Clinicians 31:20 - Final Thoughts: Humans Train AI | |||
| Psychology in the Age of AI - What Comes Next? | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:09:36 | |
In the Season 3 premiere of Beyond the Couch: AI in Psychology, Dr. Ernest Wayde explores a question that is becoming increasingly urgent for psychologists, clinicians, educators, researchers, and organizational leaders: now that artificial intelligence is already part of our professional and personal lives, what is psychology responsible for? Reflecting how the AI conversation has evolved over the past year, Dr. Wayde argues that the question is no longer whether AI is coming; it is already here. From clients consulting chatbots before therapy sessions to students using AI in education, clinicians leveraging AI for documentation, and researchers navigating new questions around authorship and integrity, AI is actively shaping the way psychological work is conducted. This episode introduces the central framework that will guide Season 3: Preserve, Redesign, and Guide. Dr. Wayde examines which aspects of psychology must remain firmly rooted in human expertise, such as professional judgment, ethical accountability, and contextual understanding. He also challenges listeners to consider where traditional workflows may need to evolve as AI creates new opportunities for efficiency and innovation. Takeaways:
Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeaillc https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subscribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:50 - Why the Conversation About AI Has Changed 03:25 - Lessons from Season 2: Questions That Still Matter 05:27 - The Season 3 Framework: Preserve • Redesign • Guide 8:09 - Using AI to Improve Effectiveness and Efficiency | |||
| Building AI for Mental Health: A Computer Scientist’s Perspective with Zainab Iftikhar | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:30:29 | |
In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Zainab Iftikhar, a PhD candidate in Computer Science at Brown University whose research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and AI for mental health. As the first computer scientist featured on the podcast, Zainab offers a unique perspective on how mental health AI systems are designed, evaluated, and used in the real world. The conversation explores why people turn to AI for emotional support, the benefits and risks of mental health chatbots, and what happens when users begin to rely on these systems in place of human connection. Zainab shares insights from her research on emotional dependency, therapeutic boundaries, and the challenges of building AI that supports well-being without causing harm. The episode also examines the critical role of clinicians, researchers, and developers in shaping the future of mental health technology. Together, they discuss how AI can serve as a valuable support tool while preserving human relationships and clinical expertise that remain at the heart of effective care. Takeaways:
Connect with Zainab Iftikhar Website: https://zainabiftikhar.com/ Connect With Us https://www.facebook.com/waydeaillc https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ Subscribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:56 - Journey Into AI & Mental Health Research 04:30 - Evaluating AI in Mental Health Contexts 08:05 - How People Actually Use AI for Mental Health 11:30 - Designing Safer AI for Mental Health Use 14:06 - Role of Psychologist Collaboration in AI Design 16:07 - Evaluating Long AI Conversations vs Single Responses 21:30 - Will AI Replace Therapists? 25:47 - Example of AI Helping Emotional Regulation 28:41 - Final Tip: Challenge the AI’s Bias | |||
| Think First, AI Second: Why Human Judgment Still Matters in Psychology with Dr. John Gavazzi | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:33:33 | |
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. John Gavazzi, board-certified clinical psychologist, ethics educator, and former President of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, to explore how psychologists can responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into clinical practice without compromising professional judgment or quality of care. Drawing decades of experience in ethics, mental health law, and clinical decision-making, Dr. Gavazzi explains why AI should enhance, not replace, the thinking process of psychologists. He introduces the concept of "Think First, AI Second," arguing that clinicians must remain the originators of thought, using AI only after applying their own expertise and clinical reasoning. The conversation explores the growing use of AI by both clinicians and clients, examining why people are turning to AI for emotional support, how psychologists can adapt when clients bring ChatGPT into therapy, and what must be preserved as AI becomes increasingly embedded in mental health care. Dr. Gavazzi also discusses cognitive offloading, automation bias, ethical accountability, AI literacy, and practical ways clinicians can redesign their workflows while maintaining professional competence. Ultimately, this episode reinforces that while AI is becoming an invaluable tool for psychology, human connection, ethical responsibility, and clinical judgment remain irreplaceable. Takeaways
Connect with Dr. John Gavazzi Website: ethicalpsychology.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johngavazzi Email Address: john.gavazzi@gmail.com Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeaillc https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subscribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 02:00 - Meet Dr. Gavazzi and His Background in Ethics & AI 03:36 - The "Think First, AI Second" Framework 07:10 - What Psychology Must Preserve in the Age of AI 09:12 - Simulated Empathy vs. Human Connection 12:00 - Can AI Really Show Empathy? 13:46 - The Risk of Cognitive Offloading 17:50 - Fluency Doesn't Mean Accuracy 20:00 - How Therapists Should Respond to Clients Using AI 22:57 - When Clients Bring ChatGPT into Therapy 24:50 - Teaching Future Psychologists to Work With AI 27:16 - How Much AI Knowledge Do Psychologists Need? 30:16 - Applying Ethics to AI in Clinical Practice 32:55 - Final Advice: Think First, AI Second | |||