Skip to content

Advocacy Action Center for Members: Federal Policy Updates. Log in to view >

Advocacy Action Center for Members

Federal Policy Updates

Log in to view >
This search input has a predictive search function. When 3 letters or more are entered, a number of predictive results appear in a dropdown. Use arrow keys to navigate and use the enter key to go to the page highlighted.
    RENEW JOIN
    Dashboard

    How AI is Being Used in Psychiatry: An APA Member Survey

    • April 09, 2026
    • Public awareness, Technology, What APA is Doing For You

    A new survey of members of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), finds that while most psychiatrists do not use AI in their practice today, many of those who do are optimistic about the potential of AI in psychiatry.

    More than 2,000 psychiatrists responded to the survey of active practicing APA members in the U.S. and Canada, between Jan. 10 and Feb. 1, 2026. The results were used by WNBC in a series of stories on mental health professionals’ views on AI use in their practices and by patients which aired in early February.

    Below are highlights of the results of the survey. Read more about the member survey and see APA resources on AI in psychiatry.

    AI in Practice Today

    Many psychiatrists do not currently use AI in their practice - but when used, it’s mostly for workflow support - not direct clinical care.

    20% Clinical Note-taking; 12% administrative tasks; 40% have not used ai in their practice

    AI Knowledge

    How Informed Do Psychiatrists Feel About AI?

    65% somewhat informed; 17% less informed; 18% very informed

    Training & Readiness

    Training Concern

    80% are very or moderately concerned that mental health professionals don't have adequate training in AI

    Benefits vs. Risks

    Expectations for AI-assisted therapy and treatment are divided.

    40% say ai-assisted treatment is riskier than traditional strategies; 38% say ai would make professionals more effective; 23% are uncertain about risks vs. benefits

    Psychiatrists see promise in AI for some conditions… But Not For All.

    59% anxiety disorders; 54% depression; 51% addiction/substance use; 59% say AI would NOT be useful for treating eating disorders

     One thing is certain: this technology is moving fast, and it could offer great benefits. While there is great potential in the use of Al, human connections are and will always be a central part of providing psychiatric care."

    Theresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D., APA President

    Regulation, Safeguards & Oversight

    Strong majority support for evidence-based, privacy-forward regulation:

    86% support evidence-based standards for AI mental health apps; 83% support stronger data privacy protections; 78% support age restrictions for AI chatbots; 77% support FDA clearance for AI mental health/therapy apps

    Download the infographic (.pdf)

    Note:  The data for AI in practice today was updated June 2026 with the correct survey results.

    Medical leadership for mind, brain and body.

    Join Today