Artificial Intelligence in Couple and Family Therapy: Systemic Ethical Principles

AI has touched every element of professional space and transformed how we work. The ripple effect of using AI to manage workflow, solve problems, and engineer efficiency extends to other elements of professional life and practice. There is significant literature surrounding the ethical use of artificial intelligence generally and a great deal with therapeutic practice, but limited information on how specifically the ethical considerations apply to systemic therapists. CMFTs must not only learn how to use AI but also how to critically assess its limitations and preserve therapeutic integrity. The purpose of this paper is to present core ethical principles that couple and family therapists need to understand to integrate AI into their clinical practice. The principles described highlight not just the ethical principles for the CMFT professional but also consider how clients’ uses of AI intersect within the therapeutic work we do. Direct connections to the AAMFT Ethical Code (2026) are outlined and future directions presented.