3. Improved Accessibility: In areas with limited access to trained play therapists, AI can bridge gaps by offering supplemental resources and 


4.  Automating repetitive tasks such as scheduling, note-taking, or client progress tracking allows therapists to  


These advancements empower play therapists to deepen their impact              


 As promising as AI is, its utilization in play therapy brings ethical complexities that must be addressed to ensure that clients' well- being remains at the center of care. AI should not serve to replace the therapist but rather to enhance the practice of the play therapist. To do so, play therapists must be intentional regarding informed consent, AI’s  


Informed Consent and Transparency Transparency is fundamental in gaining trust. Play therapy often involves minors, whose legal guardian(s) make decisions for them. Therapists must ensure that guardian(s) fully understand how AI tools are used, including their purposes, limitations, and potential risks before deciding if they approve. For this to occur, play therapists must be competent in translating technical AI concepts into developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive language for guardian(s) and children. It may help to  to help caregivers understand AI's role and address privacy concerns. Ongoing assessment of how AI impacts treatment and communication      therapists behave ethically with regard to AI:


• Have you set up an initial caregiver/guardian consultation, obtained informed consent, and assessed the appropriate use of AI prior to initiating the use of AI technology during play therapy sessions with the client in order to enhance the therapeutic process for this client? 


• How often are you assessing the client’s and caregiver’s understanding and comfort level with the use of technology and AI and identifying reasons for terminating AI in therapy with each client individually 


Algorithmic Bias


AI systems are only as unbiased as the data on which they are trained. Behavior algorithms may perpetuate stereotypes or misinterpret client 


CLINICAL EDITOR’S COMMENTS: 


 careful consideration of ethics and alignment with the core values of therapy.


Example: AI assessing emotional responses during play may inaccurately categorize behaviors due to cultural differences in  Ethical Practice: Play therapists must critically evaluate use, prioritizing those built with inclusive datasets and working to  • How would you evaluate the impact of generated resources from an algorithm and differentiate over time to ensure that the suggested resources for a client match the client’s need(s) rather than suggested resources based on prior access? What part will          • Have you considered that suggesting the implementation of AI  • Have you considered your own response if a client or parent/ guardian requests for you to utilize AI? (What is the play therapist’s comfort level?) Section A.5)


• Are you aware of the bias in algorithms of AI or generative AI tools in order to prevent or reduce the unintended consequences or the action of potentially spreading misinformation when interpreting the results and making recommendations from the 


     Using AI introduces data privacy risks, mainly when cloud-based 


Risk: Unsecured systems could expose sensitive client data to  Guidelines: Play therapists should use platforms that comply with robust data protection regulations such as HIPAA, implement encryption measures, and educate themselves and clients about    during, and after using AI in play therapy treatment? (APT, 2025b, 


• When there are multiple clients in a group, guardian(s), or family members to consider, how are you ensuring that you create a   • Are the AI or generative AI tools HIPAA and/or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) compliant to ensure         


www.a4pt.org | March 2025 | PLAYTHERAPY | 25


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