Stronger Together Conference Materials
Living & Learning in a Changing World
General Materials
Basic information about the conference.
Session Materials
Materials for conference sessions.
AI Prompting Mental Health & AI Fact Sheet
Barriers to AI Discussion Questions
Mental Health & AI Discussion Questions
Stronger Together 2026 Prompting Session handout
- Assign a role: You are an O&M instructor helping me travel confidently.
- Validate: What’s a trusted resource to confirm safe O&M techniques for teens?
- Give an example: I want to travel to my community center with a cane. How would you guide me?
- Follow-up: Now that I know the route, how do I safely cross intersections?
- Refine: If conditions change, how do I adjust my plan?
Example of the Chain prompt:
First, assign a role:
Second, validate:
Third, give an example:
Fourth, ask a follow-up question:
Fifth, refine your prompt:
Ideal outcomes:
These five things can be very broad and ideally you’ll adapt each point to find your right groove in how to string prompt aspects together. Try to be specific and as direct as possible with the AI to obtain the best outcomes. You can also ask it to quote a sources and to question the answer it gives you. So very important, be curious in your chain prompting and creative in the refinement process after the AI presents the initial answer.
AI and Mental Health at a Glance
What Is Artificial Intelligence?
According to IBM, artificial intelligence, or AI, is technology that allows computers to learn, solve problems, and make decisions in ways that are similar to humans.
How Does AI Work?
AI uses data, algorithms, and feedback loops to learn patterns and make predictions.
Key Terms
Data: Facts or information collected to be studied.
Algorithms: Step by step systems that look at your online behavior, like searches or clicks, and show you similar content.
Feedback loops: When AI learns from its own answers and improves over time.
Why This Matters for Mental Health
AI is very good at making guesses based on patterns. When you ask a question, it predicts what words should come next. For mental health, AI gives answers based on patterns, not real human experience. It does not truly understand your feelings or your full story, and it cannot replace a real relationship with a trained professional.
Strengths of AI
Available any time, day or night; can feel easy to talk to and nonjudgmental; helpful for organizing thoughts or getting started.
Creative Ways People Use AI for Support
People use AI in safe and creative ways such as journaling prompts, practicing communication skills, tracking moods or habits, requesting a calming bedtime story with details they choose, and learning simple coping skills like breathing or grounding exercises.
Limits of AI
No clinical judgment; may miss important context; can give unsafe or unhelpful answers; no accountability; not personalized; can reflect bias.
Why Therapy Is Different
Therapists have training and experience, understand emotions and safety, can help in crisis situations, and build trust over time.
How to Use AI Safely
Do: Use it for journaling, ideas, or practicing conversations; double check health advice with a licensed professional; read privacy policies.
Do not: Do not use AI to diagnose conditions; do not rely on AI in a crisis; do not share personal details like your full name, address, or medical records.
Privacy Reminder
Most AI tools are not protected by medical privacy laws. Information you share may be stored or used to improve the system.
When to Get Help Right Away
If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about self-harm, tell a trusted adult, call or text 988 in the United States, or call emergency services if there is immediate danger.
Source
Adapted from Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, October 8, 2025
Table Discussion Guide: Exploring Your Experience with AI
Purpose
This discussion is to learn from your real experiences with AI. We want to know what is helpful, what is not working, and what could be better.
How it works
- You will have about 10 minutes to talk as a group
- Take turns so everyone has a chance to speak
- Keep your answers short and focused so all voices are heard
- Share real examples when you can
- Listen to each other and respect different opinions even if you disagree
- Stay focused on the questions
- Before time is up choose one person to be your table reporter
Discussion questions
- Where has AI been helpful or useful for you
Think about times it saved you time or helped you do something better - Where has it been confusing inconsistent or not accurate
Think about times it did not work as expected or gave wrong answers - What is something you wish AI developers understood about your experience
This could be something frustrating or something you wish worked better
Share out
Each group will share one key idea
Your table reporter will speak for about 30 to 45 seconds
Tip
Pick one clear idea your group agrees on and share that.
Group Discussion Instructions (AI & Mental Health Session)
- Choose a table reporter who will share key takeaways with the larger group
- Discuss one question at a time, about 5 minutes each
- We will pause after each question for a larger group conversation
- Take turns sharing so everyone has a chance to contribute
- Listen with curiosity and focus on understanding each other
- Speak from your own perspective (“I think,” “I’ve noticed”)
- Be open and respectful of different experiences and viewpoints
- Joy, Jess, and Jenelle will be walking around and are happy to support your group if needed
Discussion Questions
- How might AI influence the way we understand ourselves or connect with others?
- Where do you think the balance is between using AI for support and relying on people or other coping strategies?
- How might privacy, data use, or misinformation affect someone’s mental well-being when they rely on AI for support or information?
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES QUICK REFERENCE
SELF AND COMMUNITY CARE:
Short- or long-term challenges affecting mood for 2 weeks or less
No concerns for safety of self or others
Identify needs based on fundamentals of mental health:
- Sleep
- Physical Activity
- Nutrition
- Social Connection
- Emotional Expression
- Stress Management
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT - NON-URGENT/INTENSIVE:
Ongoing challenges affecting mood for more than 2 weeks
No immediate concerns for safety of self or others
Clients 13 and older have confidentiality from parents/guardians (excluding crisis).
- Primary care provider: prescription and/or referral for services
- Community mental health agencies: accessible services for Medicaid subscribers
- Private mental health providers: use Psychology Today search tool
- School based mental health supports: contact school counselor or social worker
- Topic-specific support groups: referrals from local organizations/professionals
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT - URGENT/INTENSIVE:
Immediate concerns for safety of self or others
- Teen Link: professional and peer support: 866-833-6546
- Crisis Connections: Washington-specific resources: 866-427-4747 (711 relay services)
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
- Local Emergency Room: assessment for psychiatric services
In- and outpatient treatment for eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidality: referral from doctor, mental health provide, school staff, or justice system.
SUICIDE PREVENTION FOR TEENS
Watch for:
- Noticeable changes in mood, behavior, activity levels, sleep patterns, diet.
- Comments that indicate hopelessness, not having a reason for living, being a burden to others.
- Withdrawing/disengaging.
- Reckless, high-risk behavior like increased substance use.
Ask open-ended questions and listen supportively: “You don’t seem like yourself lately - how are you feeling?”
Don’t be afraid to ask directly about suicide: “Sometimes when people are having a really hard time they think about ending their lives. Have you been having any thoughts like that?”
Get help:
Find professional support and call a crisis line if you have safety concerns.
LGBTQ youth are at higher risk. Call the Trevor Project: 866-488-7386.
Washington State therapists with lived experience of low vision/blindness (available via telehealth anywhere in WA):
- Jenelle Landgraf, LICS
509-508-1256 - Jess Cummings, LMHCA
509-744-1117 - Timothy J. Paulding, LMHCA
208-771-4901
Bilingual Spanish / English Therapist with experience working with adjustment to vision loss:
- Sahra Perretz-Rosales, LSWAIC
206-552-0155