Keypoints
- Psychologists can begin integrating AI into their work without any technical background.
- Following AI leaders on LinkedIn and subscribing to AI newsletters keeps you informed on relevant trends.
- Free courses like “AI for Everyone” on Coursera provide a solid foundation in AI concepts and applications.
- Engaging in AI projects on GitHub allows psychologists to contribute expertise and learn.
Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) can seem intimidating, especially if you’re not a programmer or data scientist. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a techie to start using AI. AI tools are becoming more accessible, and there are plenty of ways to start playing around with them that don’t require any coding knowledge. Here are 10 ways psychologists can get more comfortable and confident with AI.
1. Get Curious About AI Trends
The first step to understanding how AI is affecting us is simple: get curious and stay informed. Follow industry leaders in AI and psychology on platforms like LinkedIn to keep tabs on relevant trends.
There are also excellent podcasts to check out. “The AI & I Podcast” explains AI in simple terms, while “The Eye on AI” focuses on real-world applications. These resources will help you stay up-to-date with the latest AI developments without overwhelming you.
2. Experiment With User-Friendly AI Tools
You don’t need to dive into coding to start using AI. AI applications have become mainstream and easily accessible. There are many tools ranging from Custom ChatGPT Agents, built around mental health assessments, to synthetic correlations that help you develop psychological tests. Find and experiment with the tools so you can become more comfortable.
For example, Claude allows you to analyze text. Perplexity.ai and You.com can answer complex questions with referenced information, making research a breeze. Tools like Pickaxeproject even allow you to create custom AI agents tailored to your needs and Make.com can help you create automations to streamline your practice — no coding required.
3. Understand AI’s Impact on Your Field
A practical way to embrace AI is to consider how your role might evolve with AI. For example, will AI streamline assessments? Could it provide more accurate data interpretations? A little foresight can help you prepare for the changes coming your way. Look into how other psychologists are using AI and pinpoint the skills or knowledge you’ll need to stay ahead.
4. Find an AI Mentor or Community
When it comes to learning something as vast and fast-moving as AI, going it alone can feel overwhelming. That’s why finding a mentor or joining a community can make all the difference. Just like any skill, AI becomes easier to understand when you have someone to guide you through the noise and focus your attention on what really matters.
5. Attend AI-Focused Events or Webinars
AI-focused conferences and webinars are an excellent way to dive into the world of artificial intelligence. These events often include beginner-friendly sessions designed to help professionals from various backgrounds grasp the fundamentals of AI. Whether you’re attending virtually or in person, you’ll have the chance to learn from experts and see how AI is being applied in real-world settings. Just as important, these events provide a space to network. The conversations you have with fellow attendees might spark new ideas or lead to valuable collaborations. And don’t be shy about asking questions!
6. Explore AI Courses Tailored to Non-Techies
There are plenty of courses designed specifically for people with little to no technical background. Courses like “AI for Non Techies” or AI-focused classes geared toward healthcare professionals offer digestible lessons on how AI can enhance your work.
Here are a few of my free favourites
- “AI for Everyone” by DeepLearning.AI on Coursera.
- “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” by IBM on edX.
- “Elements of AI” by University of Helsinki.
- “Machine Learning for All” by University of London on Coursera.
- “Ethics of AI” by University of Helsinki.
- Beginner: Introduction to Generative AI by Google.
7. Start Using AI in Your Practice
You don’t have to wait until you’re an AI expert to start integrating it into your daily work. The best way to learn is often by doing. Start with simple AI tools that are designed to help, not complicate, your workflow. For example, if you’re a therapist, you might explore using AI chatbots to enhance client communication or use sentiment analysis to better understand how a client is progressing between sessions. If you’re more research-oriented, AI tools can streamline the process of analyzing large data sets or uncover patterns you might otherwise miss. By introducing AI in small, manageable ways, you’ll start to see how it can enhance your productivity and the quality of your work.
8. Collaborate on an AI Project
Collaborating on an AI project is one of the most hands-on ways to immerse yourself in the technology. You don’t have to go it alone—there are many opportunities for psychologists to contribute to AI projects, especially those focused on mental health. Platforms like GitHub host open-source projects where AI developers are often looking for domain experts to join in. For instance, you could work with a team developing AI tools for mental health assessments, offering your psychological expertise to fine-tune algorithms or suggest more nuanced ways to analyze patient data. By collaborating on projects like these, you’ll not only expand your understanding of AI but also learn how to apply it directly to your field.
9. Collaborate With AI Startups
AI startups are where innovation happens fast. Many are working on projects that could revolutionize mental health. Collaborating with these companies offers you a front-row seat to the development of cutting-edge tools. These startups often need the insights of psychologists to ensure their tools are grounded in real-world practice. Whether you’re offering advice on user behavior or helping to fine-tune how AI interprets emotional data, your expertise could help shape the next generation of AI tools.
10. Build Your Own AI-Assisted Tools
If you’re ready to take a more ambitious step, why not build your own AI-assisted tool? You don’t have to be a programmer to make this happen. Thanks to no-code platforms like Bubble.io or Builder.ai, non-technical professionals can develop their own apps or tools with no coding.
A few nice resources you can use:
- How to build our own custom GPT agent.
- How to fine tune a LLM (in this case LLAMA) for your own personal purposes, like diagnostics, report writing, text classification.
- How to use Make.com to Automate your practice!
Conclusion
By taking small steps you can position yourself at the forefront of these exciting changes AI will bring. The key is to remain curious, open-minded, and be proactive.
