Regulating Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health: A Content Analysis of Global Professional Ethical and Policy Guidelines

ABSTRACT This study conducted a content analysis of policies, ethical codes, and regulatory guidelines from 13 national and international mental health organizations to examine how they conceptualize ethical artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health practice. Five overarching themes were identified—ethical practice and client welfare, competence and supervision, justice and inclusion, professional integrity, and governmental and institutional oversight. Together, these themes reveal the field's emerging priorities, areas of conceptual omission, and the varying mechanisms organizations use to uphold ethical and safety standards in AI deployment. Implications for clinical practice, professional education, and policy development are discussed.