Časopis pro reflexi křesťanských souvislostí v sociálních a humanitních oborech

Caritas et veritas 2026, 16(1):76-87 | DOI: 10.32725/cetv.2026.008

Artificial Intelligence in Psychotherapy: experiences of Aftercare Programme Clients

Kristýna Hellerová1, David Urban2, Jana Hamhalterová3
1 University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Theology, Department of Social Work and Caritas Studies, Kněžská 8, 370 01 České Budějovice 1, Czech Republic
2 University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Theology, Department of Social Work and Caritas Studies, Kněžská 8, 370 01 České Budějovice 1, Czech Republic
3 Prevent – Counselling Centre for Non-Substance Addictions, Novohradská 1452/1 370 01 České Budějovice, Czech Republic

AI tools are increasingly present in mental health and addiction aftercare, yet little is known about clients’ perspectives in these settings. This qualitative study examines how adults in Czech aftercare programmes experience AI-supported tools across emotional, cognitive, and ethical dimensions. Using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke) of transcribed semi-structured interviews with five clients in post-treatment recovery, the analysis identified themes of emotional support, cognitive structuring, and ambivalence regarding trust, rela tional authenticity, and data privacy. The findings suggest that AI can complement psycho social care by supporting self-reflection and between-session preparation, while remaining clearly distinct from the therapeutic alliance. Implications include guidance for hybrid models in social work and addiction services, emphasising digital literacy, informed use, and clinician oversight within ethically governed frameworks.

Klíčová slova: artificial intelligence, psychotherapy, mental health, aftercare, qualitative research, addiction recovery, client experience, ethical aspects

Vloženo: 7. prosinec 2025; Revidováno: 18. březen 2026; Přijato: 19. březen 2026; Zveřejněno: 2. červenec 2026  Zobrazit citaci

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Hellerová, K., Urban, D., & Hamhalterová, J. (2026). Artificial Intelligence in Psychotherapy: experiences of Aftercare Programme Clients. Caritas et veritas, 16(1), 76-87. doi: 10.32725/cetv.2026.008
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