Could artificial intelligence work in mental health care? [Video]

SALT LAKE CITY — Artificial Intelligence could be your next therapist. The Utah Legislature is looking at recommendations and ultimately deciding whether to create new laws and policies.

The director of the Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy Zachary Boyd said several professionals already use AI in their practices.

“We don’t think that the industry’s really proven what the best approaches are going to be yet,” he said. “But we’re seeing lots of companies starting to go into this area and try things.”

He said the office has made three recommendations to the Utah Legislature on ways to make sure AI is benefitting mental health care, rather than detracting from it. The recommendations revolve around data security, safety guidance for professionals, and specific guidelines on how AI might overlap with licensed professional work.

“We’re certainly concerned about data privacy,” Boyd said. “AI can record and leverage some of the most sensitive data that exists in terms of our inner lives, …