Beyond the Algorithm: The Impact of AI in Mental Health Care

Beyond the Algorithm: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Care

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 12:00pm-1:00pm

Presenter: Steven Perdek, MBA, LMHC-D, NCC, CASAC-MC-G

President & CEO, Allied Wellness Collective

President & Chair, New York Mental Health Counselors Association and the NYMHCA Institute

***link to join sent via email following registration

1 continuing education credit is available in partnership with The NYMHCA Institute, Inc. for NYS LMHCs, LMFTs, LMSWs/LCSWs, & Psychologists and NBCC credentialed professionals. Approval is pending for NYS OASAS credentialed professionals.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of mental health care—from chatbots offering cognitive behavioral interventions to predictive algorithms identifying suicide risk. As this technology advances, mental health professionals must understand both its clinical potential and its ethical, legal, and professional implications.This session provides a clinically grounded, evidence-informed exploration of how AI is currently used in mental health, what benefits it may bring, and what critical risks must be considered. Grounded in recent research and policy guidance, this session invites participants to critically reflect on how AI aligns with counseling ethics, therapeutic relationships, and mental health equity.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify real-world applications of AI in mental health care.
2. Evaluate recent research on the clinical benefits and limitations of AI.
3. Discuss emerging ethical concerns around AI use in counseling.
4. Advocate for responsible and person-centered integration of AI in practice.

Presenter Bio:

Steven Perdek, MBA, LMHC-D, NCC, CASAC-MC-G President & CEO, Allied Wellness Collective President & Chair, New York Mental Health Counselors Association & The NYMHCA Institute Steven Perdek is a dynamic leader, licensed and certified mental health professional, and staunch advocate for the mental health counseling profession. He currently serves as President and CEO of Allied Wellness Collective, a multidisciplinary outpatient mental health practice based in New York. He is also the president of the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA), the statewide professional association representing licensed mental health counselors across New York, and chair of The NYMHCA Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to professional development and innovation in behavioral health. With a background that bridges clinical expertise and organizational leadership, Steven brings a unique perspective to behavioral health systems. Steven has a masters degree in mental health counseling from the State University of New York at Oswego and a masters of business administration, with a concentration in healthcare leadership, from Le Moyne College. His work has focused on expanding access to care, strengthening the clinical workforce, and advocating for equitable, ethical policies that advance mental health professions. Under his leadership, NYMHCA has taken a leading role in legislative advocacy, including efforts to expand diagnostic privileges and recognition for LMHCs and eliminate systemic barriers to practice and care. Steven is deeply committed to elevating the professional identity of counselors through education, mentorship, and policy reform. He has contributed to statewide initiatives that shape the future of mental health service delivery, while also cultivating environments that support innovation, collaboration, and client-centered care. Steven served as adjunct faculty at The College of Saint Rose’s clinical mental health counseling program, prior to its closure in 2024. A frequent speaker and thought leader, Steven is known for blending practical insights with systems thinking—empowering fellow professionals to not only serve but shape the field of mental health.