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Faculty

Derek Crain

LICSW, DCSW
Co-Founder and CEO
Mindful Therapy Group

Derek Crain, LICSW, DCSW, is Co-Founder and CEO of Mindful Therapy Group, one of the largest outpatient mental health networks in the U.S., supporting more than 2,500 clinicians across seven states. A clinician-turned-entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, Derek has led innovations including a multi-state associate supervision program, a national psychiatric NP mentorship initiative, and Medicaid-integrated care pathways. He also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work and School of Nursing.

2027 Sessions

When Patients Turn to AI: What Happens When Chatbots Enter the Care Journey?

Session Description: Patients are already using general-purpose chatbots and AI companions for emotional support, advice, self-assessment, and crisis-related conversations outside the formal care setting. This session will explore how those interactions are influencing treatment, disclosure, patient expectations, clinical risk, and the therapeutic relationship. Panelists will examine why some patients may be more open with AI than with a clinician, whether those insights can be used to strengthen human care, and where chatbot use creates serious safety, ethical, regulatory, or liability concerns. The discussion will also address how behavioral health professionals can preserve human connection as AI becomes more present in the patient journey.

Panelist

Wednesday, March 31 11:00–11:45 AM
Room Tennessee Ballroom
Faculty

Watch Here for Additional Panelists .

Faculty

Derek Crain

LICSW, DCSW
Co-Founder and CEO
Mindful Therapy Group

Derek Crain, LICSW, DCSW, is Co-Founder and CEO of Mindful Therapy Group, one of the largest outpatient mental health networks in the U.S., supporting more than 2,500 clinicians across seven states. A clinician-turned-entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, Derek has led innovations including a multi-state associate supervision program, a national psychiatric NP mentorship initiative, and Medicaid-integrated care pathways. He also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work and School of Nursing.

Faculty

Jessica Jackson

Licensed Psychologist
CEO/Founder
Therapy Is For Everyone Psychological & Consultation Services, PLLC

Dr. Jessica Jackson is a licensed psychologist, consultant, and nationally recognized speaker helping organizations navigate emerging challenges and make thoughtful decisions about the future of mental health. Through her private practice, Therapy Is For Everyone Psychological & Consultation Services, she advises healthcare organizations, professional associations, startups, and investors on responsible innovation, mental health strategy, and equitable implementation. Dr. Jackson is known for translating complex topics into practical, engaging insights that help clinicians, executives, and policymakers prepare for what's next in mental health.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning hospitals, nonprofits, startups, academia, and the United Nations, Dr. Jackson has built a career at the intersection of clinical care, technology, and systems change. A former assistant professor of psychiatry, she specializes in advancing equitable, evidence-based approaches to digital mental health, neuroscience innovation, and emerging models of care. She previously served as Chair of the American Psychological Association's Mental Health Technology Advisory Committee and as a member of the FDA's inaugural Digital Health Advisory Committee, where she helped shape national conversations on responsible health technology. Whether speaking to clinicians, industry leaders, or policymakers, Dr. Jackson brings a practical, future-focused perspective that helps audiences understand complex issues, identify opportunities, and lead innovation responsibly.
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