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E-Newsletter • February 2026 |
Editor's E-Note
As AI becomes ubiquitous, social workers should ask patients about their use of AI chatbots and wellness apps. This month’s E-News Exclusive highlights the American Psychological Association’s health advisory on the use of these tools for mental health, and why they can support but not replace a qualified mental health care provider.
We welcome your comments at SWTeditor@gvpub.com. Visit our website at www.SocialWorkToday.com, like our Facebook page, and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.
— Heather Hogstrom, editor |
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AI, Wellness Apps Alone Cannot Solve Mental Health Crisis
Emotional support is an increasingly common reason people turn to generative AI chatbots and wellness applications, but these tools currently lack the scientific evidence and the necessary regulations to ensure users’ safety, according to a new health advisory by the American Psychological Association (APA).
The APA Health Advisory on the Use of Generative AI Chatbots and Wellness Applications for Mental Health examined consumer-focused technologies that people are relying on for mental health advice and treatment, even if these are not their intended purpose. However, these tools are easy to access and low cost—making them an appealing option for people who struggle to find or afford care from licensed mental health providers.
“We are in the midst of a major mental health crisis that requires systemic solutions, not just technological stopgaps,” says APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr, PhD. “While chatbots seem readily available to offer users support and validation, the ability of these tools to safely guide someone experiencing crisis is limited and unpredictable.”
The advisory emphasizes that while technology has immense potential to help psychologists address the mental health crisis it must not distract from the urgent need to fix the foundations of America’s mental health care system.
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Georgia's HIN Is Transforming Behavioral Health Care Delivery
The Georgia Health Information Network is connecting behavioral health with physical health and social services through statewide interoperability, says Healthcare IT News.
National Council for Mental Wellbeing Releases Statement on FY26 LHHS Funding Bill
Congress has approved funding for critical mental health and substance use programs through the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill, notes the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. |
Personos
Personos, a relationship AI platform grounded in personality psychology, was built for social workers to support communication and decision-making. The tool is designed with professional boundaries and social work values in mind. Rather than automating judgment or replacing clinical expertise, Personos augments professional insight, helping practitioners tailor conversations, deescalate conflict, reduce burnout, and extend support between sessions. Learn more »
Lyra Health
Lyra Health, a mental health solutions provider, has introduced a clinical-grade AI experience for mental health care. Lyra AI matches people to the right providers and gives members access to mental health support anytime. Lyra AI features a sophisticated risk-flagging system that identifies situations requiring immediate escalation, with clear pathways to quickly connect a member with a live representative from Lyra’s 24/7 care team. Lyra’s Polaris Principles promote the safe and ethical deployment of AI in mental health care, ensuring that the rapid expansion of AI technology is grounded in clinical efficacy and human-centered ethics. Learn more » |
The nation's top employers and recruiters of social workers advertise in Social Work Today magazine and post their job openings on AHCJobBoard.com. Check out the most recent opportunities that have been submitted by employers across the country!
Featured Employers
Defense Health Agency
Clinical Social Worker
Irwin Army Community Hospital, Fort Riley, KS
Social Worker (Behavioral Health Consultant) GS-0185-12
Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC
Social Worker (Behavioral Health Consultant)
Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA
Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health Consultant)
Irwin Army Community Hospital, Fort Riley, KS
Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health)
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA |
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