Eric Beeson is Professor and Chair of the Counseling Department at Marshall University. Since beginning his counseling career in 2006, Eric has gained experience in various settings including a residential treatment center for youth, a vocational rehabilitation agency, multiple community mental health and substance use treatment centers, a high school, a university counseling center, an inpatient behavioral health unit, a private practice, and multiple neurofeedback clinics. Eric’s primary research focuses on generating theory related to the integration of neuroscience in counseling and psychotherapy as well as testing emerging translational neuroscience models and programs to promote the health and well-being of individuals and systems. Eric’s addition interests include artificial intelligence, addiction recovery, suicide theory and intervention, and distance education.
Eric is most proud of a few professional accomplishments including: serving as the 43rd President of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (www.amhca.org) for the 2019-2020 term; co-founding the “Neuroscience” section of the Journal of Mental Health Counseling (https://www.amhca.org/publications/jmhc); being recognized as the 2020 Gary R. Walz Trailblazer award winner by the American Counseling Association; co-editing the book The Neuroeducation Toolbox: Practical Translations of Neuroscience in Counseling and Psychotherapy (https://titles.cognella.com/the-neuroeducation-toolbox-9781516539482); and founding the Brainstorm Neuroscience Community (www.webrainstorm.org).
Generative AI (genAI) is expanding in counselor education. This pilot study evaluated ChatGPT 4o's voice mode for simulating client scenarios during 53-minute mock-intake sessions with master’s-level counseling students. Analyzing eight domains (authenticity, consistency, emotional expression, empathy, cultural dynamics, self-awareness, goal setting, and role play confusion), ChatGPT’s responses showed good to excellent fidelity when compared to a typical client. Limitations such as formulaic and idealized responses raised authenticity concerns. ChatGPT offers a scalable, cost-effective tool for pre-practicum training, with potential to enhance skill development across the curriculum. Educators are encouraged to integrate genAI thoughtfully, prioritizing ethical considerations and iterative prompt refinement.
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/d2a58d79
Recommended Citation
Beeson, E. T., Zhai, Y., Fulmer, R., Burck, A. M., & Maurya, R. (2025). A pilot study evaluating the fidelity of ChatGPT in client simulations. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 19(3), 1-16.
