Reimagining the Counseling Profession: Preparing Counselors for AI and Digital Health Integration

Authors

Carl J. Sheperis, Kutztown UniversityFollow
Dusti L. Annan-Coultas, Medical University of South CarolinaFollow
Caronne C. C. Rush, University of FloridaFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3743-6823

Author Biography

Dr. Carl J. Sheperis serves as Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He is a nationally recognized leader in counselor education, digital health, and workforce development. Dr. Sheperis is co-leading the Artificial Intelligence Working Group for the Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education, hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. He is also an active member of the Digital Health Collaborative, where he contributes to national conversations on integration of emerging technologies in healthcare. His research explores the intersection of mental health, artificial intelligence, and technology-enhanced care.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

digital health, artificial intelligence, telehealth, mobile health applications, digital therapeutics, virtual reality, augmented reality, hybrid care, therapeutic alliance, counselor competencies, counselor education, ethical considerations, remote monitoring, AI chatbots, technology integration

Subject Area

Counseling, Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

Digital health technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming mental healthcare delivery, creating new opportunities and challenges for counseling practice. This article examines digital health applications in counseling, including telehealth, mobile apps, digital therapeutics, virtual reality, and AI-powered tools. We explore key implications for practice, including enhanced accessibility, impacts on therapeutic relationships, and ethical considerations. The article presents a six-domain competency framework covering privacy and security, technical proficiency, ethical literacy, clinical integration, therapeutic adaptability, and administrative management. A case study illustrates the practical application of hybrid digital care, while a discussion of counselor education highlights the need for curriculum updates. Future directions and recommendations for research, practice, and policy are provided to ensure ethical integration of these technologies. This foundational work supports subsequent articles in this special issue, which focus specifically on AI applications in counseling.

Public Significance Statement

As digital technologies and artificial intelligence become increasingly prevalent in mental healthcare, counselors must understand how to effectively and ethically integrate these tools into their practice. This article provides counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors with essential knowledge about digital health technologies ranging from telehealth platforms to AI-powered mental health apps. The research indicates that while these technologies can significantly improve access to mental healthcare and enhance therapeutic outcomes, they also necessitate new competencies and careful consideration of ethical implications. By establishing a competency framework and providing practical implementation guidance, this work helps ensure that the counseling profession can harness the benefits of digital innovation while maintaining the human-centered values that are fundamental to effective therapeutic practice.

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/s5xqzgg6

Recommended Citation

Sheperis, C., Annan-Coultas, D., & Rush, C. (2025). Reimagining the counseling profession: Preparing counselors for AI and digital health integration. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 19(3), 1-25.