Journal of Health Care and Research

Journal of Health Care and Research

Masahiro Bando^1,2, Yu Nishikiori², Hiroshi Bando^1,2iD*, Akiyo Yoshioka^2
1Tokushima University and Medical Research, Tokushima, Japan
²Integrative Medicine Japan (IMJ), Shikoku Island division, Tokushima, Japan

Corresponding Author: Hiroshi Bando ^{ORCID iD}
Address: Tokushima University /Medical Research, Nakashowa 1-61, Tokushima 770-0943, Japan
Received date: 02 November 2025; Accepted date: 02 December 2025; Published date: 09 December 2025

Citation: Bando M, Nishikiori Y, Bando H, Yoshioka A. Development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application for Psychology and Art Therapy. J Health Care and Research. 2025 Dec 09;6(3):72-75.

Copyright © 2025 Bando M, Nishikiori Y, Bando H, Yoshioka A. This is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium provided the original work is properly cited.

Keywords: Art Therapy, Artificial Intelligence, Mental Health, Psychology, Integrative Medicine

Abbreviations: AI: Artificial Intelligence; IM: Integrative Medicine

Abstract

Recent trends for psychology, art therapy, and artificial intelligence (AI) would be described with some perspectives. Art therapy support using generative AI has attracted attention. Clinical introduction of AI offers various new benefits and creative possibilities, such as expanding the diversity of expression, enabling the quantification of various factors through automated analysis, and improving access. The impact of AI-generated images shows clients’ projective/transference relationships, their effects on self-efficacy/intrinsic motivation, and the amplification of bias in therapists’ clinical judgments. Integrated approach would be required, where a balance is maintained between the core elements of subjectivity of expression and the therapeutic relationship.

Commentary

In recent clinical practice, a variety of mental health interventions have been found. Among them, a novel type of therapy using artificial intelligence (AI) has been reported [1]. Such modality may develop several potential in supporting patients with diseases and for clinical staffs and therapists. The authors and collaborators have been engaged in psychosomatic medicine, psychology, holistic medicine, and integrative medicine (IM) so far [2,3]. For art therapy, we have summarized several reports related to these categories [4,5]. In this article, recent trend concerning the integrated fields of psychology, art therapy, and AI will be introduced associated with some perspectives.

In the IM and psychology fields, art therapy refers to a group of psychotherapies that promote emotional expression, self-understanding, and the reconstruction of interpersonal relationships. They are usually performed through creative activities such as painting, sculpture, music, and dance. From a psychological perspective, discussions center on psychological mechanisms such as emotion regulation, meaning-making (narrative and/or reframing), symbolization, and concretization through non-verbal expression. In recent years, advances in neuroscientific research have suggested the relationships with neuroplasticity, interoception, and the mirror neuron system as potential bases for therapeutic effects [6]. However, the causal chain is still in the hypothetical stage, and bridging this with psychological experience remains a future challenge [7].

Numerous studies and clinical investigations have accumulated empirical evidence. However, establishing appropriate and valid research designs remains challenging. The quality of artwork and the therapeutic process vary depending on the project and therapist. Because these are not numerically or measurably defined factors, measuring effectiveness through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is difficult [8]. This is particularly true in research topics such as elderly dementia care and trauma treatment, where multidimensional outcomes, such as narrative change and improvements in daily functioning, are emphasized. Therefore, observational studies and mixed-method verification methods are recommended [9]. In recent years, a dualistic model, in which both the artwork itself and the therapeutic alliance contribute to therapeutic effectiveness, has been gaining support in clinical practice [10].

In recent years, art therapy support using generative AI and machine learning has been attracting attention. Compared to traditional methods, clinical introduction of AI offers a variety of new benefits and creative possibilities. These benefits include expanding the diversity of expression, enabling the quantification of various factors through automated analysis, and improving access. However, risks and problems also exist, which include a decline in creativity, privacy issues, and a weakening of the therapeutic relationship. From these issues associated with benefits and risks, are summarized in Table-1. This information was mainly from recent report [11-13].

Table-1: Advantages and Ethical/Clinical Challenges of AI Integration in Art Therapy

From a psychological perspective, the introduction and application of AI can bring about changes in mediators in the therapeutic process. Novel research topics have emerged in the actual clinical practice for patients and therapists [13]. They include the impact of AI-generated images on clients’ projective and transference relationships, their effects on self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation, and the amplification of bias in therapists’ clinical judgments [14]. To examine these complex effects, multi-layered assessments will be useful that integrate qualitative data with behavioral, physiological, and linguistic data.

Practical and ethical considerations are also necessary in clinical and research settings. Attention must be paid to data management (anonymization of generated images and audio logs), accountability (providing evidence for AI output), expanded informed consent, and human-in-the-loop oversight of AI output [15]. Furthermore, cultural backgrounds vary by country or region, and the backgrounds of each client’s decisions may differ. In such cases, differences in interpretation of various subjects may arise. From the perspective of the digital divide, the information gap between those who can use information and communication technology (ICT) and those who cannot is significant, leading to significant disparities in access, knowledge, abilities, and social and economic backgrounds [16]. From a system perspective, legal arrangements for eligibility standards, responsibility allocation, and insurance coverage under AI intervention will be important issues in the future.

For future prospectives, four plausible paths would be proposed. First, to strengthen intervention studies (RCTs and controlled trials) using AI and mechanistic research would be required that incorporates neurological and physiological indices. Future developments are anticipated in this era. Second, we need to theorize a tripartite model of the AI-clinician-client relationship and consider an ethical framework [17]. Establishing this relationship will lay the foundation for smooth progress in all directions. Third, each practice needs appropriate protocol in the actual therapy. This involves developing and expanding educational curricula associated with safety standards [18]. Fourth, it is desirable for the parties involved (patients/clients) to participate and collaborate with therapists in co-designing. This can be achieved through cultural appropriateness, legal and healthcare systems, and other factors.

In summary, this report has discussed the relationship among art, psychology, and AI. Based on past developments, art therapy has certainly expanded for decades. In the future, an integrated approach that maintains a balance between the core elements of “subjectivity of expression” and “therapeutic relationship” will be required.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Funding

There was no funding received for this paper.

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