TALLAHASSEE, FL – The National Association of Social Workers – Florida Chapter (NASW-FL) announces its strong support for House Bill 281 (2026), which would prohibit unregulated use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapeutic services (psychology, clinical social work, marriage & family therapy, and mental health counseling) in Florida. NASW-FL proposed the idea to the Florida House of Representatives and requested they consider this regulatory safeguard.
As AI tools become more accessible, NASW-FL is increasingly concerned about their use in therapeutic settings, such as making diagnoses, suggesting treatments, or directly interacting with clients. While technology offers potential benefits, it cannot replace the vital human-to-human therapeutic relationship.
AI often misses the nuances of lived experiences, trauma, cultural context, nonverbal cues, and family dynamics. Additionally, there’s no accountability when the intervention is driven by algorithms rather than a critical, client-centered collaborative approach. Unregulated AI, in this context, risks ethical practice and can distort care, leading to serious mental health implications.
Instead, House Bill 281 (2026) ensures that:
- AI-driven tools will be permitted in therapeutic settings only under defined regulatory standards.
- Licensed practitioners will maintain responsibility for all therapeutic services, ensuring that human judgment, ethical standards, and clinical expertise remain central.
- Clients provide written informed consent within 24 hours before AI can be used.
“Social workers are not anti-technology, we are pro-human relationships," said
Christina Cazanave-McCarthy, executive director of NASW-FL. “Technology can support access to care, but it cannot express empathy, understand someone's pain, or address individual differences. Clients deserve to know that when they seek a therapist, a human professional is responsible for their growth and healing — not an algorithm.”
HB 281 clarifies that therapeutic services cannot depend on AI to offer counseling or clinical decisions. It safeguards ethical standards by making sure licensed professionals are responsible for client care.
NASW-FL seeks a stronger amendment requiring a Florida licensee, registered intern, or certificate holder to review and sign each AI-generated counseling or therapy note, confirming the documentation accurately reflects the session.
“We appreciate the Florida House and bill sponsor, Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-95), for hearing our concerns and acting proactively,” said Cazanave-McCarthy. “Together, Floridians can welcome technological progress without compromising the dignity, safety, and humanity when receiving care.”
About NASW-FL
The National Association of Social Workers – Florida Chapter (NASW-FL) represents more than 3,000 professional social workers across the state. NASW-FL advocates for policies that strengthen the social work profession and ensure equitable access to mental-health and social services for all Floridians.
For more information, contact media@socialworkers.org and info.naswfl@socialworkers.org.