Introducing the ABPP Artificial Intelligence Task Force

Introduction

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated nearly every facet of our lives, including the field of psychology. As specialists, we find ourselves at the crossroads of this transformative technology where opportunities and risks converge. To address this, the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) has established the ABPP AI Task Force to explore this intersection of AI and psychology and to share the learnings with our psychology colleagues. Below is a brief overview of the task force composition and anticipated scope of work.

Task Force Composition

The ABPP AI Task Force brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, each with an interest in the intersection of AI and psychology. The following groups are represented:

1. ABPP Board of Trustees (BOT) Members: Representatives for ABPP Specialty Boards who provide guidance on ABPP’s strategic priorities and governance.
2. Interorganizational Representatives: Collaborators from external psychology organizations.
3. ABPP Specialty Boards (SBs): Colleagues from various ABPP specialties.
4. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on AI: Individual(s) well-versed in AI applications and implications for psychology.
5. ABPP Executive Officer (Dr. David Cox): Ensuring alignment with ABPP’s overall priorities and with the Central Office.

Scope of Work

The ABPP AI Task Force has a multifaceted agenda:

1. Literature Review: Task Force members will delve into existing AI literature relevant to psychology practice. By identifying potential consequences, we will seek to equip our colleagues with informed insights and practice implications.
2. Implications for ABPP: We recognize that AI impacts individual practice as well as organizational functioning. Recommendations will address how ABPP, including the BOT, Specialty Boards, and the ABPP Central Office can navigate this landscape effectively.
   • Mitigating Risks: The Task Force will propose strategies to identify and prevent potential misuse of AI technologies.
   • Creating Opportunities: We will explore how AI may enhance practice, professional development, and organizational functioning.
3. Ongoing Monitoring: To stay ahead of AI developments, we will establish mechanisms for continuous monitoring. This ensures ABPP specialists and our organization can remain adaptive and responsive.
4. Engagement Channels: Collaboration with the BOT Communications and Marketing Committees yields practical channels for AI engagement. This may include:
   • Articles: Publications on AI’s impact in psychology.
   • AI Corner: A dedicated section in the ABPP publication, On Board with Professional Psychology, for updates to ABPP specialists.
   • Online Seminars/Webinars: Interactive sessions exploring AI’s ethical and practical dimensions.
   • Podcasts and Social Media: To engage our community through diverse platforms.

The ABPP AI Task Force aims to work collaboratively as an interorganizational consortium encouraging connectivity and supporting specialists, fostering dialogue, and engaging ABPP as a thought partner in the evolving AI landscape.