Responsible AI in mental healthcare: policy directions and stakeholder insights

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into mental healthcare, it presents both opportunities to expand access and challenges related to ethics, safety, and regulation. This white paper examines the current U.S. regulatory landscape and presents findings from a scenario-based survey conducted during the 2025 Responsible AI for Mental Health workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina in April 2025. While state efforts are driving more structured oversight, including transparency and clinician accountability, stakeholders remain concerned about risks related to privacy, bias, and inappropriate use. Recommendations emphasize the need for robust human oversight, informed consent, and inclusive design. The paper concludes that responsible AI deployment in mental health requires coordinated policy action, ongoing evaluation, and a strong ethical foundation.