Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (10%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 17 (57%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 10 (33%)

• Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Prepare written evaluations of individuals' psychological competence for court hearings.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Consult with or provide consultation to other doctors, therapists, or clinicians regarding patient care.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing individuals, couples, or families and by reviewing records.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant research.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Consult reference material, such as textbooks, manuals, or journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, or develop approaches to treatment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Refer clients to other specialists, institutions, or support services as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Develop, direct, and participate in training programs for staff and students.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals' intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide occupational, educational, or other information to individuals so that they can make educational or vocational plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Plan and develop accredited psychological service programs in psychiatric centers or hospitals, in collaboration with psychiatrists and other professional staff.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Provide psychological or administrative services and advice to private firms or community agencies regarding mental health programs or individual cases.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Plan, supervise, and conduct psychological research and write papers describing research results.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct research to develop or improve diagnostic or therapeutic counseling techniques.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Advise clients on how they could be helped by counseling.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Supervise and train interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide consulting services, including educational programs, outreach programs, or prevention talks to schools, social service agencies, businesses, or the general public.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Consult with other professionals, agencies, or universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources or techniques, and to share occupational information.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe individuals at play, in group interactions, or in other contexts to detect indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior, or maladjustment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about clinical and counseling psychologists and AI