The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board's Marriage and Family Therapy Advisory Committee meeting on August 15, 2025, spotlighted pressing concerns in the field, particularly around the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy practices. As discussions unfolded, committee members emphasized the urgent need for clear guidelines regarding AI usage, especially in light of recent developments involving chatbots that mimic therapists without proper qualifications.

During the meeting, members reviewed survey responses from licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) and licensed clinical marriage and family therapists (LCMFTs). The survey revealed a mix of satisfaction and significant concerns. While many practitioners reported no negative issues, others highlighted critical areas needing attention, including ethical dilemmas, insurance complications, and a lack of continuing education opportunities. Notably, ethical issues such as dual relationships, HIPAA violations, and the misuse of AI were flagged as areas requiring immediate action.

One committee member pointed out that the conversation around AI has reached a pivotal moment, suggesting that it is time to draft actionable guidelines rather than merely discussing the topic. This sentiment was echoed by others who noted the increasing prevalence of AI tools in electronic health records and therapy practices, raising ethical questions about informed consent and client confidentiality.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to focus on AI and telehealth in their next meeting, aiming to develop comprehensive guidelines that address these emerging challenges. The urgency of these discussions reflects a broader trend in the mental health field, where technology's rapid advancement necessitates a proactive approach to ensure ethical and effective practice standards.