“If the Why is powerful enough, the How becomes easy,” said Matthew Bartolo, sparking the tone for a thought-provoking workshop at the University of Malta on “The Future of a Psychology Student in a World of AI.” This event, hosted by Willingness and Betapsi, united students from several fields into a rigorous, honest discussion on artificial intelligence’s transforming and challenging power in psychology. Students expressed a variety of points of view on the matter, pointing out that Bartolo created a setting free from any goal where, as one student said, “the speaker had no agenda to push or indoctrinate us with. He kept challenging every point of view to make us think and reflect.”
The Role of AI in Enhancing Client Well-being
Throughout the session, Matthew Bartolo’s observations revealed a deep concern for his clients’ well-being and a keen interest in using artificial intelligence to enhance psychological treatment. He emphasised the need for psychologists to embrace lifelong learning as AI evolves and stay abreast of new technologies and their potential impacts on mental health services. He stressed that this adaptability relies on trustworthy, recognised sources to deliver ethical, client-centred treatment, ensuring the audience of the secure future of ethical practice in psychology.
Balancing AI Integration with Core Human Skills
The students delved into the narratives surrounding artificial intelligence, weighing its potential benefits and limitations. Many underscored the importance of fundamental human skills such as empathy, communication, and critical thinking. They noted that while AI could streamline administrative tasks like patient history management or follow-up reminders, it could never replace the intricate knowledge psychologists offer their clients. By thoughtfully integrating such tools, psychologists can focus more on personalised therapy, managing more patients without compromising quality, thereby reassuring the audience of the enduring value of human skills in psychology.
Bartolo also discussed the future education psychologists need and argued for a hybrid skill set including ethics, artificial intelligence, and data science. He said this integrated approach will enable future practitioners to work with AI technologies while preserving the essential human element of treatment.
After the session, student comments were largely favourable, with many noting the open approach of the conversation. They departed with a more comprehensive view of how, with careful application to the subject of psychology, artificial intelligence may be a great benefit. Key themes were ethical ones, including privacy, algorithmic bias, and the risk of dehumanisation, which let students examine psychologists’ role in advancing safe, ethical AI usage to improve—not diminish—standards of care.
Bartolo stressed, in general, the possibilities of artificial intelligence to improve mental health care. Psychologists who embrace technological literacy, foster lifelong learning, and prioritise ethical practice will be able to boldly negotiate this changing terrain, thereby assuring that technology improves human competence and, finally, helps guarantee better, more meaningful lives for their clients.
See matthewbartolo.com for further details on Matthew Bartolo’s observations on artificial intelligence integration.
Students accepted to the Willingness Academy are expected to acquire key skills, practical experience, and flourish in a conducive learning atmosphere. To find out more about team membership, visit info@willingness.com.mt.
Written by Naina Yeshimova
Naina Yeshimova is a Psychology graduate from the North American-style LCC International University. She is currently working as an intern at Willingness. She has practised as a medical interpreter and clinical psychologist in public mental health services, including rehabilitation centres. She has also worked as a mentor for students, supporting their emotional well-being at a university. Naina is interested in expanding her knowledge and experience in clinical psychology.