Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

ACA Members Only

Description:
Join us for a one-hour informal panel discussion featuring experienced professionals exploring the emerging role of AI in counseling practice, education, and professional development. This session will center on open dialogue and audience questions, giving participants the opportunity to hear diverse perspectives, exchange ideas, and discuss practical considerations related to AI in the field.

Please note that due to the discussion-based nature of this event, a recording will not be made available afterward. We encourage you to plan to attend live to fully participate in the conversation, as there will not be a recording to view if you are unable to attend.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

• Identify emerging ways artificial intelligence is being discussed or explored within counseling practice, education, and professional development.
 
• Discuss potential opportunities, considerations, and ethical questions related to the use of AI in the counseling profession.
• Engage in dialogue with panelists and peers by asking questions and sharing perspectives about the role of AI in counseling.

CE: This webinar is informational and does not offer CE credit.

Disclaimer (sponsored content): The views, information, or opinions expressed are those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Counseling Association. Appearance of this content does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by ACA.

Format: Recurring monthly live webinar series designed to create a structured space for engagement around timely topics in the counseling profession. Unlike continuing education programs, this series is not instructional or credit-bearing. Instead, it provides an opportunity for counselors to engage with current issues, hear perspectives from invited guests, and submit questions and reflections in real time. This will be for ACA members only. Participants will engage through the Zoom chat and Q and A features by submitting comments and questions throughout the session. A moderator will curate audience input and direct selected questions to the presenter.

Presenters:
Olivia Uwamahoro (Williams), Ph.D., NCC, LPC, CPCS has been a professional counselor for 12 years and a counselor educator and supervisor for 8 years. Dr. Uwamahoro received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Memphis and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Central Florida. She is a Board Certified National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia, and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) in the State of Georgia. Her clinical expertise includes working with children, adolescents, couples, and families. In addition, she has worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and private practice settings. Dr. Olivia Uwamahoro (Williams)’s scholarship activities centers around the areas of using virtual simulation and virtual reality to teach microskills, client outcome, counseling student development, and clinical supervision. She is currently serving as a Co-Principal Investigator on a 5-year $2.2 million grant funded by the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administrations Innovative Training program. The project is designed to deliver training to vocational rehabilitation counselors who are hired to work with youth with disabilities (age 14 to 16) in Pre-Employment Training Services. The remote delivery includes online modules, podcasts, skill training using UWGLive Simulation Lab and virtual reality 360 videos.

Yiying Xiong is an associate professor in counseling and educational studies and joined the School of Education faculty in 2018. She graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP). Xiong is passionate about promoting the mental health of clients with diverse cultural backgrounds. Her research interests include counseling minority clients with a focus on international students and immigrants, best practice in counselor education, and mindfulness practice. Xiong has presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. She also serves as a reviewer for peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Xiong is a National Certificated Counselor.? She is also the faculty advisor for the Lambda chapter of Chi Sigma Iota.

Yusen Zhai is an assistant professor of counselor education. His research examines the impact of AI, health policy and social determinants on mental health, learning outcomes and disparities. He develops machine learning–based predictive models to identify risks for mental health conditions and suicide, with the aim of improving early detection and support. His work emphasizes data-driven approaches to prevention and intervention that inform both counseling practice and policy. In addition, Yusen studies how AI can transform clinical practice, counselor training and education to advance innovative solutions in mental health care and delivery.