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.

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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/

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/

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. 

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:

• AI-generated reports can match human quality in many areas — and sometimes surpass them in recommendations.
• Clinicians still prefer human summaries, but effect size differences were often small.
• Automation bias and loss of clinical skills remain real risks if AI is used uncritically.
• Bias in AI output reflects societal inequities, making vigilance essential.
• Responsible adoption requires safeguards like HIPAA-compliant agreements and human oversight.

For more of Dr. Lockwood’s insights and commentary on emerging AI research in psychology, visit his blog at LockwoodConsulting.net

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.

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:

• AI should replace tasks, not therapists.
• Exposure therapy principles can reduce technophobia and build comfort with AI.
• Stay in the loop: always validate and supervise AI outputs.
• Use AI creatively for safe exposure stimuli (VR, AR, LLMs), but maintain clinical oversight.
• Avoidance fuels anxiety—curiosity builds competence.

Guest Links:

Dr. Andrew M. Sherrill | evidencefirstsolutions.com

AI studies with clinicians registry: http://bit.ly/TEAMMAIT_Study

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

LinkedIn

Website

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

• The Wayde AI Brief

Connect With Us

• https://www.waydeai.com/

• https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

• info@waydeai.com

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:

1. Many young people find AI chatbots helpful.
2. Psychologists should ask about AI use in therapy.
3. Some young people recognize AI's limitations.
4. Involving youth in AI design is crucial.
5. Banning AI for youth may not be effective.
6. AI can support but shouldn't replace human interaction.

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/

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https://www.waydeai.com/

https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

info@waydeai.com

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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

1. Wayhaven serves as a well-being coach for college students, addressing everyday challenges.
2. AI tools like Wayhaven are not substitutes for clinical services but provide proactive support.
3. Transparency about AI's capabilities and limitations is crucial for users.
4. Clinicians must remain involved in the development of AI tools to ensure ethical use.
5. Banning AI in mental health is not the solution; better safeguards are needed.
6. Understanding the risks associated with AI usage is essential for clinicians.
7. Collaboration between clinicians and AI developers can enhance mental health support.

Connect With Dr. Ashleigh Golden

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-golden/

https://www.wayhaven.com/

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https://www.waydeai.com/

https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

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info@waydeai.com

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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

1. AI reduces cognitive load, allowing for more focus on judgment.
2. Writing processes are transformed by AI, making it easier to start.
3. Trust in AI outputs requires careful validation.
4. Fluency in AI-generated content does not guarantee accuracy.
5. AI redistributes cognitive effort but not accountability.
6. Deliberate judgment is increasingly important in accelerated environments.

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info@waydeai.com

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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

LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/c-vaile-wright-ph-d-599000b8

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:

1. AI Itself Is Not Ethical—Humans Are Responsible
2. Bias Is a Major Concern—but Not the Only One
3. Accountability Must Start With Development
4. The Information Age Demands Critical Thinking
5. Learning and Adaptation Are Essential

Connect with Dr. Joanna Bryson

bryson@hertie-school.org

https://www.hertie-school.org/en/who-we-are/profile/person/bryson

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https://www.waydeai.com/

https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

info@waydeai.com

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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

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:

• AI Is Shifting Client Expectations and Relational Dynamics in Therapy.
• Clinicians Must Prioritize Informed Consent and Their Own AI Competence.
• Clients Often Turn to Chatbots Seeking Validation and Frictionless Interactions.
• Clinical Judgment and Patient Safety Must Always Supersede Any AI Usage.
• Mental Health Professionals Must Claim a Voice at the Table During AI Development.

Connect with Dr. Rachel Wood

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelwoodphd/

Website: https://www.dr-rachelwood.com/

Website: https://www.aimentalhealthcollective.com/

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https://www.waydeai.com/

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info@waydeai.com

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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

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:

• AI Should Supplement, Not Replace Human Therapists
• Simulated Patients Offer Safe Practice for Clinicians
• AI Diagnostics and High-Risk Treatment Require Firm Boundaries
• Organizations Must Prioritize Transparency and Privacy
• Therapists Need to Increase Their AI Literacy

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

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https://www.waydeai.com/

https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

info@waydeai.com

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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

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:

1. Fluency does not equal accuracy.
2. AI operates through pattern matching, not reasoning.
3. Training data bakes in human bias.
4. The "fine-tuning" stage reflects human values.
5. Context is limited to the current prompt.
6. Accountability remains with the professional.

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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:

• Multi-Agent AI Can Improve the Quality of Therapeutic Conversations.
• AI Tools Can Help Veterans Practice Difficult Conversations Before Therapy Sessions.
• Validation, Safety Testing, and Guardrails Are Essential for Mental Health AI Tools.
• AI Is Best Used as a Support Tool Rather Than a Replacement for Clinicians.
• Clinicians Are Beginning to Use AI for Supervision, Roleplay, and Skill Development.

Connect with Dr. Philip Held

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-held-phd/

Website: https://roadhomeprogram.org/

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https://www.waydeai.com/

https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

info@waydeai.com

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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

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:

• AI Is Already Deeply Integrated Into Teen Life and Mental Health Conversations.
• Teens Often Use AI for Exploration, Emotional Support, and Nonjudgmental Guidance.
• Parents Should Approach AI Conversations With Curiosity Instead of Fear or Control.
• Banning AI Without Education or Safeguards May Create More Problems Than Solutions.
• Psychologists and Clinicians Must Help Shape the Future of Ethical AI in Mental Health Care.
• Human Connection, Communication, and Trust Still Matter More Than Technology.
• AI Literacy Is Becoming Essential for Parents, Therapists, and Educators.

Connect with Dr. Amber Childs:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberwchilds/

Website: https://www.dramberchilds.com/

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https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

info@waydeai.com

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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”

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:

• AI Is Reshaping How Humans Learn, Think, and Solve Problems.
• Traditional Education Models Were Not Designed for an AI-Driven World.
• The Goal Should Be Learning How to Work With AI, Not Simply Avoiding It.
• Critical Thinking Matters More Than Ever in the Age of Generative AI.
• Students Need Opportunities to Use AI Responsibly and Reflectively.
• Educators Cannot Be Expected to Solve AI Challenges Alone Without Systemic Support.
• AI Literacy Is Becoming Essential for Teachers, Researchers, Clinicians, and Students.
• Technology Should Expand Human Capability Rather Than Replace Human Judgment.

Connect with Dr. David Williamson Shaffer

Website: https://edpsych.education.wisc.edu/fac-staff/williamson-shaffer-david/

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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

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:

• AI Is Already Being Used for Mental Health Support by Millions of People.
• Psychologists Need to Engage With AI Instead of Ignoring It.
• AI Can Improve Accessibility and Reduce Barriers to Mental Health Support.
• Therapy and Chatting With AI Are Not the Same Thing.
• AI Literacy and Prompt Engineering Are Becoming Essential Skills for Clinicians.
• Human Judgment, Ethics, and Critical Thinking Still Matter Most in Mental Health Care.

Connect with Dr. Page Anderson

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/page-anderson-ph-d-abpp-clinical-psychologist-associate-professor/

Georgia State University:

https://psychology.gsu.edu/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

info@waydeai.com

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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