Description
.
Presented by Dr. Rogene M. Eichler West, Ph.D., QEEG-D
DESCRIPTION
Artificial intelligence (AI) developers have spared no potential domain, including that of providing low-cost, perennial access to algorithm-based mental health support. While such tools would appear to provide a much-needed service to those who may not have financial means to work with a therapist in a traditional sense, the companies that produce these applications are not subject to the same legal restrictions and ethical norms as the clinical community. This presentation examines areas in which those receiving AI-based mental health may be harmed. Areas of concern include informed consent, data privacy and security, autonomy and agency, cultural insensitivity, overreliance on technology hindering the development of coping skills, and duty to warn.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
As a result of participating, the attendee will be able to:
1. Describe five ways in which users of AI-based mental health applications may be subjecting themselves to potential harm.
2. Identify harm-minimizing strategies in the use of AI-based mental health applications.
3. Evaluate the potential impact of proposed laws governing AI-based mental health applications and associated data.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
AI-based mental health tools are blind to the social norms associated with specific populations; consequently, one concern discussed in this presentation is the potential harm that is associated with AI’s lack of awareness and respect for cultural, individual, and role differences. For example, while it may be appropriate for a mental health chatbot to affirm the identity of gender dysphoric end-users from some parts of the world, encouraging the same in others could result in outcomes from ostracism to physical violence, including potential death.
Question to reflect on diversity issues: What are some of the ways that the community of mental health clinicians might propose to increase cultural competence in technology or protect specific populations from harm?
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Rogene M. Eichler West, Ph.D., QEEG-D, is an accomplished scientist and technologist with a specialization in brain function analysis leveraging machine learning and quantitative EEG (QEEG) data. She has made significant contributions to the clinical application of advanced neurotechnologies and strategic business operations in the healthcare sector. As a co-founder of Brain Health Northwest, LLC, Dr. Eichler West expanded the company into a prominent clinical psychology and neuroscience firm, managing multiple offices and a team of over a dozen clinicians. She currently holds a position as Senior Research Scientist in Cognitive and Behavioral Modeling at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where she pioneers research in dynamical systems, deep learning, and neuromorphic computing. Dr. Eichler West is deeply committed to advancing scientific research, mentoring clinicians, and enhancing health treatments through innovation and leadership.
