At the joint initiative of the Psychology Research Center and Diana Hovhannisyan, founder of the New Norm AI platform, a seminar-discussion titled "The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Practice" was held.
The discussion addressed the possibilities and limitations of AI applications in psychology, as well as their compliance with fundamental scientific standards and professional ethical norms. The New Norm service is a digital space for self-reflection based on automated artificial intelligence learning systems, primarily designed for young users. Its description indicates that the platform enables users to reflect on their personal situations, develop emotional intelligence, identify cognitive patterns, and receive continuous support beyond traditional psychological services. The platform ensures the confidentiality of participants' personal data.
Upon the recommendation of Elina Asriyan, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Yerevan State University, the Union of Psychologists of Armenia convened an expert council based on materials presented during the seminar, as well as those separately provided by New Norm. Having examined the tool's compliance with established ethical standards, the organization presented its conclusion. The New Norm service can be characterized as a self-help tool that aligns with several fundamental principles of psychological practice (such as support for autonomy and the promotion of reflection). The functional features of artificial intelligence create a framework for self-help and do not replace psychotherapy. Within these defined parameters, the platform complies with the ethical standards of psychological practice as established in the core principles formulated in the codes of the American Psychological Association (2006), the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations (2011), and the Armenian Psychological Association (2023).
