NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University hosted a panel at the Eighth Annual Virtual Behavioral Health Conference on Monday. Experts discussed the integration of artificial intelligence in behavioral health innovations. Dr. Isac Artzi, a GCU computer science professor, highlighted AI's growing role in therapy by identifying nuances during sessions that a human therapist might miss. “I am human. I cannot pick up every single word and every single nuance that a person is telling me,” Artzi stated.

Artzi, who holds degrees in both technology and behavioral health, noted that technology might address the shortage of therapists in areas like Cochise County, Arizona, once internet access issues are resolved. He is seeking a grant to expand telehealth capabilities in underserved communities.

The panel focused on the conference theme, “Emerging Techniques, Evolving Minds: The Future of Behavioral Health.” Dr. Anna Edgeston, who moderated the panel, emphasized the control humans maintain over integrating technology. “It can be scary, and the movies don’t help us with that – ‘AI is taking over!’ – but at the end of the day, we have control of our world,” Edgeston said.

Catherine Hallam, a GCU behavioral health science instructor, discussed her use of digital play therapy with neurodivergent populations. She's integrated video games and art therapy into her practice and even utilized AI to bridge language barriers, as seen with a fisherman in Micronesia. “That pivotal event opened up dialogue,” Hallam remarked.

Yet, the conference raised ethical issues surrounding new technology. Dr. Jennifer Young emphasized transparency and informed consent from patients, recalling a negative instance when a therapist’s phone recorded a session, later sending ads to a client. “Really knowing the limits of the tools is important, as well and conveying that to clients to make informed decisions on their care,” Young asserted.

Josh Danaher, a counselor integrating Brazilian jiu-jitsu with mental health counseling, shared insight on using martial arts to bolster mental health. “You mean I don’t have to sit on your couch and tell you my feelings?... Getting on a jiu-jitsu mat helps with that in a lot of ways,” Danaher explained.

The session concluded by urging students to embrace integrative methods in therapy. Reflecting on innovation, Edgeston said, “At the end of the day, these come from a human being... what doesn’t change is the human being and their intrinsic need to be loved and to connect.”