About Curt Widhalm, (he/him), LMFT #47333
Curt Widhalm, LMFT, is a distinguished leader and practitioner in the mental health field based in Los Angeles, California, where he founded the Real Honest Therapy group. His clinical work centers on advanced therapeutic modalities, specializing in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma resolution and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to enhance emotional regulation skills.
Deeply committed to upholding professional standards, Curt currently serves as the Chair of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists’ (CAMFT) Ethics Committee, guiding ethical practice within the state. He extends his influence and supports colleagues worldwide as the co-host of the popular and insightful podcast, “The Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide.”
Further demonstrating his dedication to developing skilled clinicians, Curt is an EMDRIA-approved consultant and a CAMFT Certified Supervisor. His comprehensive experience is enriched by past roles including Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, serving on the CAMFT Board of Directors, and lecturing in Law & Ethics at California State University-Northridge. Curt brings a multifaceted perspective shaped by extensive clinical, supervisory, ethical, and educational contributions to the field.
Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice: Ethics and Considerations for Care
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly being integrated into mental health care, offering innovative tools for diagnosis, treatment, and patient management. However, the adoption of AI in this sensitive domain brings forth significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure ethical and effective use. One of the primary concerns is the lack of comprehensive legal and ethical guidelines governing AI applications in mental health. With limited regulatory frameworks in place, therapists and mental health providers are left to navigate ambiguous terrain, potentially compromising client trust and well-being.
This presentation will explore the key problems that arise when incorporating AI into mental health care, focusing on issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the potential for AI to inadvertently replace human judgment in delicate therapeutic contexts. We will discuss the ethical responsibility of mental health providers to ensure that AI tools are used to complement, rather than replace, the therapeutic relationship, prioritizing the dignity and autonomy of clients.
In addition, the essential responsibilities therapists must consider when using AI, particularly around informed consent, transparency, and the potential for unintended consequences. A crucial aspect of this discussion will be the importance of safeguarding client data—ensuring that AI systems are secure, that sensitive information is anonymized where possible, and that data handling practices comply with existing legal frameworks like HIPAA.
Finally, this workshop will propose actionable guidelines for mental health professionals to help them navigate these challenges. These include developing a clear understanding of AI tools, establishing protocols for data security, and ensuring that AI applications are used with caution, always keeping the best interests of the client and the public at the forefront.
By addressing these issues, we aim to promote the responsible use of AI in mental health care and provide mental health professionals with the tools they need to protect their clients and themselves.
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Following this presentation, participants will be able to:
1) Identify three ethical principles that therapists should consider when using artificial intelligence
2) Explain two practical steps that therapists must take to ensure client privacy
3) Identify three ways that therapists must be responsible for artificial intelligence created materials
Where you can see my presentation:
California Pathways to Practice Symposium, Virtual Speaker Series
Friday, February 13, 2026
8:30-10:00 am Pacific Time
​​Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
This event is intended to be accessible to all. If financial barriers would otherwise prevent your attendance, please reach out to Robyn@alignedcarecenter.com to discuss financial accommodations. For other accommodations, please click here for more information.
We extend our gratitude to the sponsor for this presentation for making it possible for us to compensate the speaker and make this event accessible. ​
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