Date of Conferral

12-11-2025

Date of Award

December 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Mark Arcuri

Abstract

This study explored the integration of brain–computer interface (BCI) technology into mental health care, focusing on clinicians' perceptions, ethical concerns, and the practical challenges associated with its adoption. As technological advancements in healthcare continue to reshape clinical practices, understanding how emerging technologies like BCI can be incorporated into therapeutic settings is essential. The purpose of this research was to examine clinician perspectives on the potential benefits of and barriers to BCI and to explore the ethical implications of its use in therapy. Guided by the technology acceptance model and the ethical decision-making framework, this qualitative study utilized semi structured interviews with six clinicians experienced in mental health care. Data analysis revealed that while these clinicians recognized the potential of BCI to enhance treatment outcomes, they expressed significant concerns regarding privacy, informed consent, and the ease of integration into clinical practice. Despite these concerns, many clinicians also showed cautious optimism about the future role of BCI in personalized mental health care, particularly with ongoing research and development. The findings contribute to the broader literature on the ethical, practical, and theoretical challenges of integrating emerging technologies into mental health services. This researcher’s recommendations emphasize the need for further research, clinician training, and the development of standardized protocols to address the barriers identified. The potential for positive social change lies in BCI's ability to provide personalized, evidence-based interventions for individuals with mental health disorders, improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of mental health care.

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