On the Horizon

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Updates about recent innovations and new advancements in technology that can enhance psychological practice

illustration of red fish swimming toward blue fish
September 2026

Could an animated fish change how we talk about addiction?

New research from Stanford demonstrates that a 2-minute animated narrative may lessen the stigma associated with alcohol and substance use disorders
teen girl looking at tablet computer
August 2026

Educational video game shows promise as a scalable way to support youth mental health

New research finds a self-guided digital game—codeveloped with teens to promote mental health and prevent opioid misuse—reduced depression symptoms
July 2026

FDA approves two new nonmedication treatment options for PTSD

An at-home wearable device and a new in-office treatment are now available
person with smartphone
June 2026

World Health Organization develops innovative, digital mental health support tool

The Step-by-Step program offers free, digital self-help interventions that can be adapted to community needs 
Female student looking at her laptop at home
May 2026

A scalable approach to college student mental health

Digital intervention helps students struggling with common mental health concerns
Person holding a smartphone with an AI health app while eating a meal.
April 2026

Use of artificial intelligence for health information is growing

As the public increasingly turns to AI for mental health information and support, psychologists are uniquely positioned to help patients engage with it safely
A man types on a laptop displaying a generative AI interface at his desk.
March 2026

Most states are exploring ways to legislate AI use

These laws differ in focus, but common themes include how health insurers can use AI, how to regulate chatbots, and how AI can be used in the delivery of clinical care
Woman pointing to her smartphone displaying a chat interface and a laptop with data visualizations
February 2026

U.S. Department of Labor releases new AI literacy framework

The framework focuses on five foundational content areas of AI knowledge and intends to guide workforce and educational preparation efforts
January 2026

FDA clears digital ADHD treatment and wearables for depression

These devices represent a growing trend of technology-enabled care that has the potential to transform evidence-based treatment
Close-up of phone app screen
December 2025

New funding opportunity to study AI and mental health

OpenAI announces $2 million to support independent research
A female patient uses Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
November 2025

FDA clears transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for youth, and a shorter version for adults

TMS offers a promising alternative for adults with major depressive disorder who haven’t responded to traditional treatments. Its recent expansion to include adolescents marks an important development in addressing the growing youth mental health crisis
young girl using a smart phone
October 2025

New state-level legislation establishes AI guardrails

California’s governor has signed three bills into law on AI, social media, and companion chatbots
man looking at a computer screen
September 2025

OpenAI publishes new study on how people are using ChatGPT

Seventy percent of messages are about topics unrelated to work
August 2025

Protecting the public from unlicensed therapy

A new Illinois law signals a growing trend of states regulating AI
Young adult female smiling as she looks at mobile phone
July 2025

Can chatbots replace therapists? New research says no

A Stanford University study shows that unregulated bots can contribute to stigma and provide dangerous advice
Scientist examining brainwave scanning headset in laboratory
June 2025

A significant step toward standardizing AI best practices

The Joint Commission and the Coalition for Health AI are partnering to develop AI best practices that will impact 80% of health care organizations
Mother and young son looking at his tablet
May 2025

FTC enacts new protections to safeguard children online

Amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act take effect June 2025
A woman sitting on a couch looking at her smartphone
April 2025

Study demonstrates utility of GenAI chatbot for treating mental health conditions

Here’s a closer look at the Therabot findings and a new funding opportunity for GenAI research
Middle-aged man using his laptop to engage in a video call with a health professional
March 2025

Digital health use among the public remains strong

Recent data show that engagement differs across age groups but remains high overall
people working together at computer screen
February 2025

Trump administration rolls back Biden AI executive order and launches Stargate project

Through March 15, the public can provide feedback on the administration’s AI policies
Female doctor reviewing a tablet while sitting with a patient
January 2025

Artificial intelligence continues to transform the health care landscape

In the absence of comprehensive federal AI legislation, questions about regulation and safe use remain unanswered
A female doctor shows a female patient information on a tablet
December 2024

New funding for women’s health research, FDA clears health monitoring ring

A White House initiative has increased funding for conditions that disproportionately or uniquely affect women
Man pointing to large computer screen
November 2024

FDA calls for a coordinated response to regulating AI

The federal agency has also partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs to launch an intergovernmental lab to vet AI health care tools
Woman talking to a few individuals
October 2024

New federal funding to address the U.S. mental health crisis

Biden-Harris administration announces funding for behavioral health initiatives, while Department of Health and Human Services unveils new health IT awardees
September 2024

Key takeaways from the FDA's latest actions

Several new announcements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signal significant developments in the regulation and integration of innovative technologies and treatments in mental health care 
Last updated: August 2026Date created: September 2024

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