Adolescence and young adulthood are critical developmental stages often marked by emotional and behavioral challenges, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. These difficulties frequently persist into adulthood, underscoring the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis. Although evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are widely used, diagnostic decision-making remains complex and subject to human variability. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT have emerged as potential support in clinical reasoning by offering rapid pattern recognition, language-based analysis, and decision support capabilities. However, empirical evidence on their ethical, reliable, and culturally sensitive use in mental health contexts remains limited. This study evaluates ChatGPT as a diagnostic support tool for licensed clinical psychologists working with adolescents and young adults. Twenty simulated case vignettes were assessed under three conditions: (1) ChatGPT alone, (2) psychologists without AI, and (3) psychologists assisted by ChatGPT. Diagnostic outcomes and professional confidence were compared using quantitative ratings, while qualitative focus groups explored perceived benefits, challenges, and ethical implications. Preliminary findings suggest that ChatGPT enhance diagnostic consistency, accuracy, and clinician confidence when used as a complementary resource rather than a replacement. Ongoing qualitative analysis will further clarify psychologists’ perspectives on responsible AI integration, highlighting implications for training, ethical guidelines, and future clinical applications in mental health assessment and intervention.

Acknowledgments: Partially supported by the National Institutes of Health: Award Number HCTRECD R25MD007607 from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and Hispanic in Research Capabilities Endowment (HIREC).

Authors:
Samuel Colón De La Rosa, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
Karen Martinez González, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
Abiel Roche Lima, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
Claudia Amaya Ardila, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
Yaniris Colón Rivera, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
Alondra García Rosa, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Samuel Colón De La Rosa is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelcolon/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

Bookmark