This master’s thesis examines psychotherapists’ attitudes toward the use of artificial
intelligence in therapeutic practice. The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency
of artificial intelligence use among psychotherapists, their perceived competence in using
the technology, their attitudes toward artificial intelligence, and the ethical dilemmas and
opportunities associated with its use in psychotherapy.
The theoretical part explains the use of artificial intelligence in the field of psychotherapy,
focusing on conversational artificial intelligence, digital therapeutic applications, speech
analysis, emotion recognition, and digital phenotyping. It also addresses the impact of
artificial intelligence on the therapeutic relationship, psychotherapists’ digital
competencies, and ethical aspects of AI use, such as data protection, algorithmic bias, and
responsibility in the use of technology.
The empirical part is based on a combined use of quantitative and qualitative research
approaches. The quantitative part was conducted using an online questionnaire (N = 226),
while the qualitative part was carried out through a focus group method involving
Slovenian psychotherapists (N = 7).
The results indicate a gap between the relatively low frequency of artificial intelligence
use and the perceived need for competencies related to its application. Psychotherapists
generally perceive artificial intelligence as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for
the therapeutic relationship, which remains a central element of the psychotherapeutic
process. At the same time, participants recognize the potential of AI to improve the
accessibility of mental health support, while expressing caution regarding ethical issues,
data security, system reliability, and the impact of technology on the authenticity of
interpersonal relationships.
The findings emphasize the need for additional education and training of psychotherapists
in the field of digital competencies, the development of ethical guidelines, and further
research into the effects of artificial intelligence in psychotherapeutic practice.
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