A Multilevel Framework for the Safe and Ethical Use of AI in Mental Health Practice
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Keywords

Digital mental health
Psychological ethics
Artificial intelligence
Psychological regulation
Digital wellbeing Salud mental digital
Ética psicológica
Inteligencia artificial
Regulación psicológica
Bienestar digital

How to Cite

Pedrosa, I. (2026). A Multilevel Framework for the Safe and Ethical Use of AI in Mental Health Practice. Psicothema, 38(3), 113–122. Retrieved from https://reunido.uniovi.es/index.php/PST/article/view/24970

Abstract

Background: Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into mental health practice represents a profound transformation
of psychological care, enabling novel forms of assessment, intervention, and support. However, this shift also introduces
substantial ethical and psychological risks, including erosion of autonomy, algorithmic bias, threats to digital rights,
and strain on clinical judgment and therapeutic relationships. This article proposes PRISM, a multilevel framework
designed to guide the ethical integration of AI in mental health across individual, technological, and institutional
dimensions. Method: An integrative conceptual review was conducted drawing on Self-Determination Theory,
information ethics, data justice, and international guidelines from the APA, WHO, EU, and UNESCO. The framework
introduces the concept of psychological regulation of AI, extending ethical oversight to the subjective and relational
impacts of algorithmic mediation. Results: PRISM articulates four operational principles (digital autonomy, affective
transparency, algorithmic justice, and relational care) along with practical tools, including psychological impact
indicators and a Psychological Model Card, to support ethical auditing and clinical digital wellbeing. Conclusions:
A psychology-based regulatory approach is essential to ensure dignity, autonomy, and ethical sustainability in digital
mental health. PRISM provides an operational bridge between technological governance and psychological practice,
supporting responsible, person-centred AI use in clinical contexts.

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