About Our Collaboration with The AI Expert Reference Group
The AI Expert Reference Group (AIERG) in Counselling & Psychotherapy is a collaborative body comprising counselling & psychotherapy-related organisations across the UK, established to address the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into mental health services. We are operating amidst rising concerns about the use of AI chatbots for, and the need to protect, the therapeutic relationship.
Initiated by Kenneth Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes (co-founders of Counselling Tutor), with the NCPS as a founding member, the group aims to ensure that AI adoption is ethical, responsible, and maintains human values in therapy.
The core responsibilities of the Group include the development of guidelines for the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI in mental health; addressing issues around data privacy and AI limitations; and the creation of a shared AI Charter for the profession.
Through its involvement in the AI Expert Reference Group, the NCPS supports practitioners in responding thoughtfully to the growing use of AI in counselling & psychotherapy. The Group’s work focuses on providing clear guidance, protecting client confidentiality, and safeguarding the therapeutic relationship.
By working collaboratively across the profession, the Group aims to ensure that any use of AI in mental health remains ethical and firmly rooted in human care and professional judgement.
