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Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy Announces Best Practices from Groundbreaking Study on AI Use in Mental Health Therapy Salt Lake City, UT—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy (OAIP) has released a guidance letter based on findings from a comprehensive study examining the integration of artificial intelligence technologies by mental health therapists. This pioneering research, conducted in partnership with the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), highlights essential guidelines that support therapists in leveraging AI while prioritizing patient welfare, data privacy, and ethical responsibility. OAIP was established by the Utah Legislature in the 2024 session to offer regulatory mitigation agreements to AI companies in Utah, helping them navigate regulatory challenges and providing temporary relief to support innovation. Additionally, the OAIP runs a learning lab that studies AI applications across industries, collaborating with companies, associations, academics and other stakeholders to enhance understanding and develop tailored solutions and policy recommendations. One notable outcome from the OAIP's learning lab is Utah House Bill 452, known as the Artificial Intelligence Amendments. Sponsored by Representative Jefferson Moss and Senator Kirk Cullimore, this was the first bill to emerge from the lab's agenda focused on mental health care. It establishes a framework for the responsible and innovative development of AI technologies related to this field, as well as adds critical consumer protections. The guidance letter outlines best practices, including the importance of informed consent, the need for data handling standards, and the need to understand both the benefits and risks of this emerging technology. Emphasizing the importance of patient well-being, the research advocates for thoughtful consideration of each patient’s unique needs and digital literacy when using AI tools. “Technology has the potential to greatly enhance the quality of mental health care,” said Margaret Woolley Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce. “However, it is crucial that we proceed with appropriate caution and integrity. The findings from OAIP can help guide our mental health professionals in implementing AI responsibly, ensuring that patient care is enhanced by the technology.” Zach Boyd, Director of OAIP, emphasized the importance of the study’s findings: “As the landscape of mental health care evolves, our goal is to provide a clear framework for therapists on the responsible use of AI. By integrating these best practices, we can harness the benefits of technology while minimizing potential risks, ultimately enhancing the therapeutic experience.” Mark Steinagel, Director of the Division of Professional Licensing, added, “Establishing clear best practices for AI use by mental health therapists is vital. AI is already being used by many therapists. This report is an important step in enabling professionals to use the tech wisely and in establishing standards for these key professions.” The OAIP letter calls for mechanisms such as contingency planning and regular monitoring of AI outputs to ensure both accuracy and safety in patient interactions. Furthermore, it asserts that educational contexts must similarly prioritize student needs and prevent overreliance on AI-generated assessments. This research not only informs mental health therapists in Utah but also sets a precedent for best practices in the broader integration of AI technologies across various fields. For more information about the study and its implications, please visit https://ai.utah.gov.
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