Marshall to pilot artificial intelligence software in counseling training

Published 12:00 am Friday, January 30, 2026

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University’s Department of Counseling, part of the College of Education and Professional Development, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Soma Lab Inc., a for-profit innovator in AI-driven clinical simulations and field experience management software. The collaboration includes design, a pilot program and the evaluation of a new field experience platform and simulation technology that enhances counselor and healthcare training.

Marshall will serve as a co-design partner in developing SimCare AI’s platform and will receive early access to its simulation software beginning this spring.

The initiative supports Marshall’s commitment to innovative, ethical, and culturally competent counselor education, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet evolving clinical demands with both technical competence and ethical integrity.

The collaboration takes a careful approach, recognizing the need to thoughtfully and ethically use AI in training. Researchers are aware of wider concerns about AI and are looking to ensure the technology is carefully tested and used responsibly as a tool to supplement human connection in care.

“This technology solves a problem that did not have a solution before: how do we get high fidelity training repetitions for students prior to field experience? This partnership allows us to innovate the educational experience and respond to workforce demands while keeping our professional and ethical commitments at the center,” said Dr. Eric T. Beeson, chair of the Counseling Department. “We are excited to explore how emerging technologies can support, not substitute, the deep relational work that defines counseling and healthcare.”

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