CEU Course Title:
Ethics and the Use of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating Technology in Mental Health Practice

Course Description:
As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more integrated into mental health care, social workers face new ethical questions about privacy, consent, competence, and the human relationship at the core of clinical work. This CEU course explores how AI is being used in documentation, assessment, treatment planning, administrative support, and client communication—and what ethical considerations must guide its use.

Designed for Texas mental health social workers, this course provides a framework for evaluating emerging technologies through the lens of social work values, professional standards, and regulatory responsibilities.

Course Goals:

Increase awareness of current and emerging uses of AI in mental health settings.
Identify potential ethical risks and responsibilities related to AI integration.
Support informed decision-making regarding technology use in practice.
Promote client safety, data protection, and professional accountability in a digital landscape.

Course Outline:

Overview of artificial intelligence in behavioral health and social work
Common AI tools in documentation, assessment, and client engagement
Ethical considerations: informed consent, bias, confidentiality, and data security
Competence and supervision when using AI in practice
Applying the NASW Code of Ethics to technology and AI tools
Boundary issues and the human element in AI-assisted care
Creating policies and safeguards for ethical AI use
Future trends and professional responsibilities in a tech-driven field

CEU Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

Describe current and potential uses of AI in mental health practice.
Identify ethical challenges related to confidentiality, consent, and clinical judgment when using AI tools.
Apply the NASW Code of Ethics to scenarios involving AI in client care or supervision.
Assess professional responsibilities around competence, supervision, and risk management when adopting AI technologies.
Develop strategies for ethical integration of AI into clinical workflows while protecting client welfare.

Ethics and Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence)