January 22, 2026
8:45am – 12:00pm Pacific Time
11:45am – 3:00pm Eastern Time
Presented virtually via Zoom Video Communications
Presented by
Faria Kamal, PhD &
Clerissa Cooper, MS, LPC, SEP, CPCS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Artificial intelligence (AI) and human-computer interaction (HCI) is increasingly being woven into our lives, from social media algorithms and digital assistants to school-based screening tools and mental health chatbots. This has created both opportunities for support and new challenges for individuals’ mental health and social behavior. This presentation is designed to build upon the earlier Learn and Earn, briefly revisiting an overview of current findings on AI’s impact on mental health as well as considerations for therapists and mental health professionals regarding AI usage and impact. Special emphasis will be given to understanding risks for more vulnerable populations, including specific diagnostic considerations along with marginalized identity markers. Presenters will explore both ethical and practical considerations while discussing pros and cons of incorporating AI tools into therapy spaces.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- List three current evidence-based findings regarding the impact of human-computer interactions on mental health.
- Identify at least two specific populations at heightened risk of increasedsymptoms and worsening mental health outcomes in the context of repeated AI usage.
- Specify at least two diagnostic considerations and related symptomatology when leveraging healthy vs unhealthy AI usage.
Instructors | Dr. Faria Kamal is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York City, a DBT trainer and consultant for Behavioral Tech, and a Clinical Supervisor at Columbia University Medical Center. She provides evidence-based therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her research has focused on providing effective mental health services to marginalized communities, along with the assessment and implementation of DEI practices within clinical spaces. In addition, she is a founding member of the ISITDBT Anti-Racism Committee.
Clerissa Cooper is a licensed professional counselor who works with teens and adults in Georgia. She specializes in supporting folks navigating developmental and complex trauma, depression, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders, and personality disorders using Somatic Experiencing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, the DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol, Exposure and Response Prevention, and clinical hypnotherapy.
Clerissa has past professional experience in the Feminist and healing justice frameworks to inform holistic work with clients. Clerissa works to expand accessibility of training and services with clinicians and clients who identify as Black, Indigenous, Non-Black People of Color, and also hose who hold other marginalized identities and experiences. In her practice, she also works specifically with Black Women, individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, community organizers, and activists.
She continues to expand her training and practice to support individuals addressing the impact of interpersonal, structural, and historical trauma while strengthening healing and wellness from a somatic approach that also incorporates intuitive, transitional, and ancestral healing practices.
PRICING:
|
Individual Registration Fee $159.00 |
Group Registration Fee for 3 or more $135.00/person |
Students are eligible for 20% off individual registration fee* |
*email training@pdbti.org for student discount code
CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS
Participants who complete the training will earn 3 CE hours. Partial credits will not be available.
Portland DBT Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6326.
Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Portland DBT Institute is solely is responsible for all aspects of the program.
Portland DBT Institute, Inc. (PDBTI) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PDBTI maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Private Training Request
Portland DBT Institute training is available to schedule as a private training for your group. PDBTI’s training team travels locally, nationally, and internationally, to provide evidence based, adherent DBT training. Please fill out our Training Request Form and a training coordinator will contact you to see how we can work together to exceed your organization’s training goals.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
A $60.00 handling fee will be deducted upon cancellation. Refund requests by fax or email must be received two weeks before the start date. In addition, the fees are non-transferrable.
PDBTI reserves the right to cancel any program due to under-enrollment, or any course due to work stoppages, instructor illness or inclement weather. If a course is cancelled, PDBTI is responsible for refunding only the course fee.
