Objectives

At the conclusion of this training, clinicians should be able to:

  • Describe the current landscape of AI (artificial intelligence) companion products and who uses them, citing prevalence data from the past two years.

  • Explain how attachment theory and loneliness research apply to a human-to-AI relationship.

  • Screen for client AI companion use using at least two conversation-based prompts and the APA (American Psychological Association) over-reliance markers.

  • Differentiate supplementation from substitution in a client's companion use and identify when substitution warrants clinical attention.

  • Apply a safety framework to companion use in clients with elevated risk, including adolescents and clients with self-harm history, psychosis, or social isolation.

Instructors

Dr. Florence Lewis, PhD LMFT

Instructor

Florence Lewis, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, researcher, and published author, and the founder of Upside Health Research Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research institute training mental health and healthcare professionals on relationships and health in the digital age. She holds a PhD in Medical Family Therapy from East Carolina University and brings over a decade of clinical experience with diverse populations. Her work centers on relational health as a clinical variable — how connection, loneliness, and increasingly AI shape what happens in the therapy room.

Dr. Niecie Jones, PhD, LMFT

Instructor

Dr. Niecie Jones is a therapist, educator, coach, and author. Her clinical interests include identity development, systemic impacts on minoritized populations, and meaning-making. She utilizes a variety of theories and methods in her work, often combining concepts from multiple disciplines to create connections that lead to innovative interventions. Dr. Jones has spent several years as a consultant in the tech sector, working to improve relationships and wellness for organizations such as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and CrowdStrike.

Course curriculum

    1. When Clients Turn to AI Companions

    2. Slide Deck

    1. Course Evaluation - Required for CE Credit

About this course

  • $75.00
  • 3 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

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Upside Health Research Network

This presentation is proudly presented by Upside Health Research Network, a non-profit organization centered on healthcare education and research.


http://uphrn.org

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