Ethical and legal aspects of artificial intelligence use in psychological practice: analysis and regulatory approaches

The article examines the ethical and legal aspects of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in psychological practice, including the risks of dehumanization of therapeutic relationships, data privacy issues, and legislative gaps. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the legislative and ethical issues related to the application of artificial intelligence in psychological practice, including the operation of psychological assistance services, and to propose measures for harmonizing regulation and minimizing risks. Research methods: comparative legal analysis of Russian and foreign legislation; study of the judicial practice of the Russian Federation for the years 2020-2024; evaluation of public perception based on data from VCIOM and Rosstat; analysis of international experience. Research results and conclusions. Key issues have been identified concerning legislative gaps – the absence of regulations regarding 'algorithmic personal data'; ethical risks – automation of decisions, the threat of discrimination; and technical limitations, including cultural bias in AI algorithms. Amendments to Federal Law No. 152-FZ and the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation have been proposed, including the introduction of liability for developers and requirements for AI transparency. Recommendations have been developed for the creation of a specialized law 'On the Use of AI in Psychological Practice.' To minimize risks associated with ethical issues in psychological aid services, it is necessary to adopt amendments to the legislation; develop GOST R 'AI in the Work of Psychological Aid Services'; and establish interdisciplinary working groups aimed at comprehensive analysis of algorithmic bias, development of culturally adapted models, and monitoring compliance with ethical standards.