AI in Counseling
Policy Committee February 24, 2026
HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – As the use of artificial intelligence rapidly increases, so does the need to protect users, especially those who are vulnerable. At a House Majority Policy hearing Tuesday morning, lawmakers and testifiers discussed the need to implement safeguards for AI use in counseling services across Pennsylvania. House Bill 2100, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer O’Mara and House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, would provide safeguards to protect client welfare and regulate counselors’ use of AI in providing services, ensuring that a human continues to be the primary provider of counseling services.
- Host: Reps. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), Jennifer O'Mara (D-Delaware)
- Testifiers:
- Dr. Curtis Taylor- Licensed Professional Counselor, Erie, PA
- Dr. Madeliene Stevens- Government Relations Committee Chair, Pennsylvania Counseling Association
- Dr. Molly Cowan- Director of Professional Affairs, Pennsylvania Psychological Association
Agenda + Testimony
Media Release + News Coverage
- Testifiers support legislation to regulate AI use in counseling services, February 24, 2026
- Penn Capital-Star, Warnings that guardrails are needed in Pennsylvania for AI in counseling, health care, February 24, 2026
- FOX 43, AI in mental health sparks debate on safety, privacy, and effectiveness in Pennsylvania, February 27, 2026
- Erie News Now, Lawmakers Look to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in Therapy, March 9, 2026
Video + Photos