Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Systemic Therapy: Strategies for Effective Clinical Practice

Artificial intelligence (AI) has pronounced utility in systemic therapy when used with clear purpose, ethical alignment, transparency, specialized models, and guardrails for safety. This paper offers a practical roadmap for couple and family therapists (CFTs) to integrate AI in treatment as a support to, rather than a replacement for, human clinical judgment and processes. Strategies for using AI in systemic therapy include: 1) identify and articulate the function and purpose clearly, 2) distinguish AI’s role in treatment as the agent or tool, 3) align with professional standards and ethical codes, 4) promote transparency in AI use and processes, 5) prioritize the use of smaller, domain-specific language models when feasible, 6) establish robust safeguards and risk-mitigation protocols, and 7) formalize critical thinking processes. The strategies are presented in detail and accompanied by applied examples and ethical guidelines intended to support clinicians, supervisors, training programs, and clinical systems. A description of how to implement the strategies is presented, including a template of an AI-informed consent for clinical care. Implications for training and supervision are discussed.