Mental Health Counselors

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: 2 (7%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 10 (37%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 15 (56%)

• Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Evaluate clients' physical or mental condition, based on review of client information.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Collaborate with mental health professionals and other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs on clients' progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Learn about new developments in counseling by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars, or establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Gather information about community mental health needs or resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health or counseling services.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Coordinate or direct employee workshops, courses, or training about mental health issues.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Perform crisis interventions to help ensure the safety of the patients and others.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform crisis interventions with clients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Discuss with individual patients their plans for life after leaving therapy.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Modify treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Monitor clients' use of medications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Act as client advocates to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Plan, organize, or lead structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation, or social activities for clients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting clients or patients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Meet with families, probation officers, police, or other interested parties to exchange necessary information during the treatment process.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise other counselors, social service staff, assistants, or graduate students.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about mental health counselors and AI