Rethinking Risk: Balancing Safety, Efficacy, And Access In AI Care with Dr. Zach Boyd, Director of Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy

AI in behavioral health demands a balanced strategy that protects consumers, enables innovation, and expands access at scale.  In this episode, Dr. Zach Boyd, Director of Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, shares how his team is creating practical guardrails for responsible AI in healthcare. He traces his path from theoretical math to social science, noting that behavioral health is the front line for AI’s impact. Early milestones include broad stakeholder surveys, privacy and advertising protections, detailed guidance for professionals, and a safe harbor to reduce regulatory uncertainty. Dr. Boyd highlights opportunities in clinical automation and consumer tools, while warning about risks like deepfakes and urging leaders to balance safety, efficacy, and access. Tune in and learn how thoughtful policy can accelerate safer, more equitable behavioral health innovation! Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Zach Boyd on LinkedIn. Learn more about Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy here. Email Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy directly here.