As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries worldwide, its role in mental health care is becoming increasingly complex. A recent National Alliance on Mental Illness survey found that 12% of adults are likely to use AI chatbots for mental health support in the next six months, with 1% already doing so — an early sign of how quickly these tools are entering the landscape of care.
At Adler University, Chia-Chiang Wang, Ph.D., is challenging students to engage with that evolving landscape through his new course, “AI and Technology in Counseling.” This course is the first in the counseling field to address the influence and intersection of AI and mental health.
Designed for students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision program, the course examines how AI and emerging technologies are transforming counseling practice, education, and research. From virtual counseling and clinical supervision to ethical considerations, students are challenged to critically evaluate the possibilities and responsibilities that come with technological innovation.
“The more people turn to AI as emotional support, the more questions it raises about human connection and belonging. Preparing counselors now means preparing them to have these conversations about how AI can transform the work we do, which is why we wanted to offer this course,” Dr. Wang said.
Many students enter the course with limited experience using AI in clinical contexts, often questioning its relevance to counseling practice.
“Throughout the course, the students are able to acknowledge how AI can be engaged as a tool within counseling and feel more empowered to utilize it, having great confidence is its applications and limitations,” Dr. Wang explained. “Many doctoral students do not have much prior experience engaging with AI, and this is their first direct exposure to these tools, which is essential. It strengthens their ability to understand how technology shapes client interactions, including its impact on connection, behavior, and help-seeking. How come they can counsel if their clients have technology-related roadblocks or are overusing AI in place of human interaction?”
Initially dubious about AI’s place in her counseling career, student Tracy LeGrow now sees its potential, especially in areas like clinical supervision and training.
“This course has allowed us to explore the uses, benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations required to engage with AI technology effectively,” LeGrow said.
Through hands-on projects, students don’t just learn about AI, they are actively creating and evaluating it. LeGrow developed a concept for an AI-powered client simulator, designed to help counseling students and professionals practice their skills in a safe, simulated environment. She also proposed a qualitative research study examining how clinical supervisors experience integrating AI into their work.
“As with all technology, we must establish safeguards to ensure its appropriate and ethical use,” LeGrow said.
That emphasis on ethics is woven throughout the course. Students engage in in-depth discussions around client confidentiality, credentialing, international counseling considerations, and the broader implications of integrating AI into mental health services. The goal is not just to understand the tools, but to use them responsibly and safely.
For student Lauryn Payne, one of the most impactful aspects of the course is its timely approach to learning.
“This course stands out for its innovative and informative approach to the emerging field of AI in mental health,” Payne said. “The absence of a traditional textbook and the incorporation of YouTube videos and news articles revolutionized the learning experience.”
By incorporating real-time research and media, the course places students at the forefront of an evolving field, something Payne found both exciting and empowering.
Payne also highlighted Dr. Wang’s role in guiding students through these complex and controversial concepts.
“In my opinion, Dr. Wang is an exceptional researcher and provides invaluable assistance in understanding emerging research concepts and technologies,” Payne said. “This course has undoubtedly transformed my perspective on the application of AI and has instilled a sense of comfort and familiarity in its use.”
Ultimately, the course does more than introduce students to AI, it invites them to shape its future in the counseling field, and Adler continues to be an active contributor to this field of new technology. By combining critical thinking, hands-on innovation, and ethical grounding, Dr. Wang is preparing the next generation of counselors to engage with technology in thoughtful and meaningful ways.
Students leave not just with knowledge and confidence, but with new ideas.
“This course has fostered the development of compelling ideas for innovation,” Payne adds, “and contributed to the advancement of the counseling and mental health fields.”
As AI continues to evolve, courses like this ensure that future counselors won’t just keep up with change — they will help lead it.
“The more people turn to AI, the more it challenges people’s sense of belonging. We need to have these kinds of reflections because these students are the next generation of counselors and educators,” Dr. Wang said. “My job is to challenge them to think further, so that in the future, they can become the creators and the developers of new inventions and ideas the shape what counseling looks like.”