Session Descriptions, Learning Objectives, & Speakers

8:00 AM- 10:00 AM | Bots with Boundaries: What Every Clinician Needs to Know about AI, Bias, and Trust

This presentation provides a critical and engaging examination of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in clinical practice, with a particular focus on bias, privacy, and confidentiality. Grounded in current research and ethical standards from NBCC, ACA, and AMHCA, this session equips mental health professionals with practical tools to evaluate emerging technologies through a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens. Participants will analyze how algorithmic systems may amplify implicit bias, discuss client consent and data privacy concerns, and explore how to supervise or integrate AI use responsibly in documentation and clinical workflows. The limitations of current tools, including predictive inaccuracies and risks of dehumanization, will also be addressed. This session supports evidence-informed decision-making at the ethical frontier of counseling practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how bias may be embedded and reinforced in AI systems used in mental health care.
• Evaluate the risks and limitations of AI tools related to privacy, data storage, and client confidentiality.
• Discuss the ethical implications of client consent and informed use when introducing AI into counseling settings.
• Plan a strategy for supervising or training clinicians on responsible use of AI-assisted documentation tools.

Presented By: Melissa Galica, Ph.D., LPC

Dr. Melissa Galica is a licensed mental health therapist and full-time counselor educator whose work bridges clinical practice, academic innovation, and human-centered leadership. With experience spanning private practice, group facilitation, and higher education, Dr. G brings a relational, reflective lens to counseling and counselor training. In the classroom, they are known for integrating creative teaching tools, such as breakout activities, digital meditations, and infographic templates, to deepen student learning in areas like group counseling, multicultural awareness, and ethical supervision. Their pedagogical approach is trauma-informed, systems-aware, and rooted in adult learning principles. As a researcher, Dr. G focuses on counselor identity development, faculty mentorship, and gatekeeping in counselor education. Their scholarship explores the psychological toll of academic gatekeeping and advocates for inclusive, community-centered models of professional formation. They also serve actively on academic committees, mentor emerging clinicians, and design tools to support dispositional assessment and reflective supervision. Known for blending humor, insight, and empathy, Dr. G leads with both rigor and heart. Whether mentoring a student through a scholarship application or facilitating a discussion on clinical boundaries, they consistently model what it means to care deeply in complex systems. 

Earns 2 General CEUs | CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1318186

10:15 AM- 1:15 PM | The Digital Revolution in Counseling: Capitalizing on AI and Automation Ethically

This presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of how AI and automation can transform mental health practices. Grounded in current research and practical applications, mental health professionals will discover how to strategically leverage these technologies to create more efficient, effective, and scalable practices while preserving the human connection central to therapy. Participants will gain insights into AI tools and automation systems designed to streamline administrative tasks, enhance clinical decision-making, deliver personalized client care, and address ethical considerations. The empirical basis for these tools will be discussed, alongside the utility of these technologies and an acknowledgment of their current limitations.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify AI-powered tools and automation systems to streamline administrative workflows, client intake processes, and documentation in counseling practices.
• Develop an ethical and strategic approach to selecting digital tools that enhance therapeutic effectiveness while ensuring security, privacy, and the human connection in counseling relationships.
• Evaluate the impact of AI and automation on practice efficiency and client outcomes through practical case studies and hands-on exercises.
• Describe emerging trends in AI for mental health and formulate a plan for continued learning and adaptation to evolving technologies.

Presented By: Bethany R. Russell, Ph.D., LMHC, RPT, NCC

Bethany R. Russell, Ph.D., LMHC, RPT, NCC, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling at Florida Gulf Coast University and the Owner, Researcher, & Mental Health Therapist at Bethany R. Russell, Ph.D., P.A. Dr. Russell has extensive experience in clinical mental health counseling, play therapy, and counselor education. Her research interests include the integration of technology in mental health. Dr. Russell's background includes roles as a Visiting Professor at Stetson University and various clinical and research positions at the University of Central Florida. She has presented extensively on topics related to counseling practice, technology, and play therapy, and has received grants for research in these areas, including the use of AI in play therapy.

Earns 3 Ethics CEUs | CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1318190

2:15 PM- 4:15 PM | The Use of AI in Counselor Supervision: Insight and Application

This presentation explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within counselor supervision, emphasizing both insight and practical application. Designed for licensed counselors, counselor educators, and clinical supervisors, we will discuss how AI can be utilized to enhance reflective practice, support case conceptualization, and strengthen supervisee development. We will discuss ethical considerations, practical challenges, and opportunities for innovation in counselor training and supervision. The session will conclude with a Q & A. Participants will engage in hands-on demonstrations of AI-supported supervision strategies and participate in role-play activities to apply these tools in real-time scenarios.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe and understand the balance of integrating AI into supervision practices.
• Explain and demonstrate ways AI can facilitate role playing scenarios with a supervisee.
• Discuss the ethical implications of AI and supervision.

Lauren is a LMHC, NCC, and a doctoral candidate at the University of the Cumberlands. Lauren works with at risk youth in a dropout prevention school and sees clients in the evening at a group practice. She enjoys copious amounts of coffee, the beach, and a good podcast! Lauren enjoys being a TA for Ethics, supervising, and is looking forward to completing her dissertation.

Erika Rodriguez, LPC (TX), NCC, Registered Play Therapist™ is the Lead Counselor for a non-profit and owner of a private practice. Erika is a wife, mom to two teens, and caretaker to three furry babies. She paints, gardens, or sinks deep into a good book as part of her self-care. Erika is a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of the Cumberlands with research interests in counselor education, play therapy, sand therapy, sexual trauma, and wellness.

Earns 2 CEUs | CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1318191

4:15 PM- 5:00 PM | Q & A with George F. Indest, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm

Join us for an exclusive Q&A session with renowned health care attorney George F. Indest, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm. With decades of experience representing healthcare professionals, Mr. Indest will address your most pressing legal questions surrounding artificial intelligence in mental health practice.

Registered attendees will receive a link to submit their questions in advance. The most frequently asked and relevant questions will be selected and answered during this interactive session. Whether you're concerned about ethics, privacy, liability, or scope of practice, this is your opportunity to hear directly from a legal expert who understands the unique challenges facing mental health counselors.

Hosted By: George F. Indest, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M.

George F. Indest III is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, based in Orlando. Mr. Indest is board certified by the Florida Bar in the legal specialty of Health Law. He is also board certified as a health care risk manager by the American Board of Risk Management, Inc. His practice encompasses all aspects of business, corporate, transactional, regulatory and administrative health law practice, and he represents physicians, nurses, hospitals, home health agencies, long term care facilities and other health care providers. His practice also includes the litigation of professional licensing cases and business litigation, defense of health care providers, negotiation of sales of health care practices, Medicare fraud defense and other areas of Health Care Law. He holds an AV® Preeminent rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review, which is the highest level attainable by an attorney, according to Martindale-Hubbell. His rating is 5 out of 5.

This is NOT a CEU earning session