Beyond Google Images: Crafting impactful images for presentations or clinical use with AI

In presentations for teaching, research, or public education purposes, well-chosen images enhance focus, reflection, and memory retention. AI tools help create images that are culturally sensitive and inclusive and depict abstract or complex psychiatric scenarios. AI images should be clear, audience-tailored, and complementary to text and verbal explanations. Clear, detailed prompts ensure alignment with the intended vision and stylistic consistency across images. Addressing variables such as style, mood, and color helps create unique, compelling images. AI images can also be helpful in psychoeducation and psychotherapy, as they can be customized to the patient's demographics and symptoms and can be quickly created during a consultation. They would especially benefit patients with low literacy. This article describes the leading AI image-generation tools, offers practical guidance on image creation and effective prompt strategies, and provides example prompts. It also discusses the limitations of current models and ethical considerations. Together, these insights support educators, researchers, and clinicians in using AI images responsibly and creatively to enrich their presentations and patient care.