About this course

Learning Objectives

• Identify 4 ethical challenges related to the use of AI and other digital technology in PCIT.
• Describe an ethical framework for the use of AI in mental health care.
• Name 3 potential negative outcomes and 3 positive outcomes associated with the use of digital technologies during PCIT.

Learning Levels

• All Levels

Target Audience

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Larissa N. Niec, PhD

  Professor

  Larissa N. Niec, PhD is Professor in Psychotherapy and Mental Health Interventions at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and President of PCIT International. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Through her NIH-funded research, Dr. Niec seeks to increase access to evidence-based interventions for underserved families, with an emphasis on improving health equity. Dr. Niec is a Global Trainer in PCIT and has published extensively on its effectiveness. Her recent books include Strengthening the Parent-Child Relationship in Therapy: Laying the Foundation for Healthy Development and Telemental Health Care for Children and Families. Dr. Niec is involved in the UW–Madison’s RISE-THRIVE initiative to advance mental health interventions and improve community well-being. Her work has been featured in outlets such as the Washington Post and NBC Today.

• 

  Jason Jent, PhD

  Psychologist, U Miami

  Dr. Jason Jent is a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in child, adolescent, and family mental health. His work focuses on evidence-based assessment and treatment of anxiety, mood, and behavioral disorders in youth. Dr. Jent has extensive experience in pediatric psychology, collaborating with medical providers to support children coping with chronic illness and developmental challenges. In addition to his clinical practice, he contributes to professional training and research initiatives aimed at improving early identification and intervention strategies. He is committed to helping families build resilience and practical skills that promote long-term emotional well-being.

• 

  Ciera Schoonover, Ph.D.

  Assistant Professor

  Dr. Ciera Schoonover is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Prior to beginning at MTSU, she completed an internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Center of Excellence for Children in State Custody at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. She earned a PhD from Central Michigan University and master’s degrees in public health and social work from the University of Georgia. Her research and clinical interests focus on increasing access to evidence-based parent-child interventions for underserved populations, and providing trauma prevention and intervention services for children and families. She serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors of PCIT International and is currently an Implementation Specialist to support the implementation of PCIT in the State of California.

• Marielle E. Abrahamse, PhD

  Dr. Marielle E. Abrahamse is a licensed psychologist with expertise in child and adolescent psychology, parent training, and behavioral interventions. Her clinical and research interests center on supporting families managing ADHD, anxiety, and disruptive behavior disorders. Dr. Abrahamse integrates cognitive-behavioral and family-based approaches to create individualized, developmentally informed treatment plans. She is dedicated to advancing equitable access to high-quality mental health care and frequently engages in community outreach and professional education. Through her work, she empowers parents and caregivers with evidence-based tools that strengthen relationships and foster healthy developmental outcomes for children and teens.

References

• Dankwa-Mullan, I. (2024). Health equity and ethical considerations in using artificial intelligence in public health and medicine. Preventing chronic disease, 21, E64. http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd21.240245
• Farhud, D. D., & Zokaei, S. (2021). Ethical issues of artificial intelligence in medicine and healthcare. Iranian journal of public health, 50(11), i. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v50i11.7600
• Gorelik, A. J., Li, M., Hahne, J., Wang, J., Ren, Y., Yang, L., ... & Carpenter, B. D. (2025). Ethics of AI in healthcare: a scoping review demonstrating applicability of a foundational framework. Frontiers in Digital Health, 7, 1662642. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2025.1662642
• Morelen, D. M., Gray, S., Lawler, J., Daniel, K., Skov, H., Jones, S., ... & Rosenblum, K. L. (2024). Nurturing strong roots and branching out during the pandemic: Mom Power via telemental health. In Telemental health care for children and families. Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-69264-2
• Gray, S. A., Moberg, S. A., Obus, E. A., Parker, V., Rosenblum, K. L., Muzik, M., ... & Drury, S. S. (2022). Harnessing virtual mom power: Process and outcomes of a pilot telehealth adaptation of a multifamily, attachment-based intervention. Journal of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychotherapy, 21(1), 6-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/15289168.2022.2045464