Ethical Practices of Artificial Intelligence in Play Therapy

CE Hours 4 4 Special Topics in Play Therapy

About this live event

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into mental health practices, understanding its ethical implications in play therapy is essential to safeguarding client well-being and upholding the profession's integrity. Rooted in a humanistic framework, this 4-hour course, aligned with A4PT best practice standards, empowers mental health professionals and play therapists to navigate the ethical complexities of incorporating AI into therapeutic settings. By emphasizing empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the inherent worth of each individual, the course ensures participants prioritize human connection at the core of their practice. Participants will delve into key ethical principles, guidelines, and best practices for integrating AI into play therapy, focusing on client privacy, data security, equitable access, and preserving the therapeutic relationship’s authenticity. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical examples, attendees will learn to evaluate AI tools for appropriateness and ethical compliance critically. The course also addresses strategies for transparent communication about AI’s role with clients and caregivers, fostering trust, clarity, and collaboration. By centering on human dignity and ethical accountability, this course supports practitioners in harnessing AI responsibly and effectively to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Identify the ethical standards and guidelines while defining key ethical principles, including confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural competence, as they apply to the integration of AI in play therapy.
Assess and evaluate AI applications used in play therapy for appropriateness, privacy protections, and adherence to ethical and professional guidelines.
Analyze the risks and benefits of AI in Play Therapy through critical examination how AI impacts client privacy, data security, equitable access, and therapeutic outcomes.
Develop and maintain therapeutic integrity in AI-Integrated Therapy through strategies to preserve the therapeutic relationship, ensuring transparency and trust when using AI tools with clients and caregivers.
Utilize ethical reasoning, decision making, and case study analysis to navigate dilemmas related to AI in play therapy practice.
Demonstrate skills in explaining AI’s function, limitations, and ethical considerations to clients, caregivers, and stakeholders.

Learning Levels

Intermediate

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for behavioral health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and play therapists.

Live event Instructor(s)

Kurt W. Oster, LBS, LICSW-S, LCSW-QS, BCD, Registered Play Therapist™

CEO, VonOstir Innovation Services, PLLC & Chief Clinical Officer, Aspire Integrated Healthcare Solutions, LLC

A transformative innovator, entrepreneur, educator, author, and social worker passionate about driving change, Kurt W. Oster, LBS (PA), LICSW-S (AL & MN), LCSW- QS (FL), LCSW (PA & VA), BCD, RPT™ & Certified Playmaker is entering his sixteenth year in the mental health field. He is the Owner/President & CEO of VonOstir Innovation Services, PLLC, and the Chief Clinical Officer of Aspire Integrated Healthcare Solutions, LLC.

Mr. Oster is a Pennsylvania Licensed Behavioral Specialist (LBS), an Alabama & Minnesota Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), a Florida, Pennsylvania, & Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and a Florida and New Jersey Certified PreK-12 School Social Worker (CSSW). He is a Member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, a Board-Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD), and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT)™. In April 2024, Mr. Oster became a Certified Playmaker with the Life is Good Playmaker Project.

Mr. Oster holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Urban Studies from Rutgers University, a Master in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Science (MS) in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Colorado Technical University. Additionally, Mr. Oster holds certifications including the ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Professional (ADHD-CCSP), Autism Spectrum Disorder-Clinical Specialist (ASD-CS), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and FEMA Professional Continuity Practitioner, Level I.

As an LCSW, Mr. Oster serves children, adolescents, young adults, their families, LGBTQIA+, and individuals working through Trauma. Outside of his clinical practice, Mr. Oster is an author and presents information on youth civic engagement, SOGIE mental health, disaster preparedness, and emergency management to the international community. Mr. Oster, LBS, LICSW-S, LCSW, QS, BCD, RPT™, is currently writing his first textbook in LGBTQ+ Play Therapy, which will be published in June 2025. Mr. Oster serves on the Ethics Committee and AI Taskforce for the Association for Play Therapy.

Disclosure

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity ― including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity. The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity’s planners, faculty, and the reviewer: PLANNERS AND REVIEWER The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships. FACULTY Mr. Kurt W. Oster, LBS (PA), LICSW-S (AL & MN), LCSW (FL, PA, & VA), QS (FL), BCD, the faculty for this activity, reports the following relevant financial relationships: Ownership Interest - VonOstir Innovation Services, P.L.L.C. Executive Role - VonOstir Innovation Services, P.L.L.C. and ASPIRE Integrated Health Systems