Question
How might a psychologist in private practice begin to experiment with using AI to help enhance their practice?
Jackman, C. (2025, January 21). Using artificial intelligence in a private setting. https://www.apaservices.org/practice/business/technology/tech-talk/artificial-intelligence-private-practice
Answer
Artificial intelligence (AI) is top of mind for most people these days. Yet for many psychologists, it can be overwhelming to imagine how to integrate AI into your practice…and it may even cause a little fear.
Admittedly, I avoided using AI software for some time because I didn’t quite know where to start, but I didn’t want to be left behind. So, a good friend and fellow entrepreneur sat down with me and gave me a few tutorials for using AI for marketing that covered how to cue AI for the best results. Now, I feel more confident in integrating AI into my mental health tech company and workplace well-being consulting practice, particularly for marketing and social media purposes. If you are curious about AI and want to test the waters, here are specific strategies to help you get started.
Start by learning how to cue the software. The key to getting the most out of an AI search is to give it a role, clear and specific instructions, and context. Pinpoint how to do that by starting with something low stakes to get a sense of how it works. For example, try using the AI software of your choice to plan your next vacation with a cue like this:
Act as a travel agent (role) and plan a 10-day vacation to Barbados, include a list of 5 mid-priced hotels and a mix of 10 water sports and historical activities (instructions). I want to create a retreat-like experience for me and 5 friends (context).
Once you have a sense of how to communicate with AI and clarify role and context, you can move on to higher-stakes administrative tasks. For example, AI is great at writing and rewriting emails and can save you time and the emotional toll of getting the tone just right. Here’s an example of a sample cue:
Act as a collections agency (role); rewrite this letter to a customer who is late in paying, and provide 5 email subject line options (instructions). We have been working together for only a few months, so I want to be firm, but also keep a friendly tone (context).
AI is also great at breaking down complicated concepts into more everyday language. As a mom to a 6th grader, I often cue my AI software with “explain it to a 6th grader.”
An AI note-taker can act as an assistant by being present in meetings so that you don't have to take notes. Depending on the software, AI note-takers may provide a transcript of the entire meeting or a summary. It will also provide a summary of the topics covered and action steps.
AI software can also help you compare product choices for your practice. One approach is:
Act as a psychologist in independent practice (role); I’m searching for a new practice management software as my company is growing (context), create a table with 3 columns and provide a comparison on the following criteria: cost, features, user experience, customer reviews, appointment scheduling, secure messaging, payment (instructions).
If you want to go a little further, you can prompt AI to brainstorm topics to write about in your newsletter or on your social pages, and offer you tips on tone and writing style. Adding more sophisticated instructions or context will always further refine the results, which can help you get better responses. Users should always check your results for accuracy and rewrite content in your own tone of voice.
Charmain Jackman, PhD, is a member of APA’s Mental Health Technology Advisory Committee. She is a licensed psychologist, author of The Black Therapist’s Guide to Private Practice and Entrepreneurship, and the founder and CEO of InnoPsych.comopens in new window.
