As Mental Health Needs Grow, AI Chatbots Fill the Void: But at What Cost?

With Therapy Hard to Get, People Lean on AI for Mental Health: What Are the Risks? As mental health professionals warn of the limitations of artificial intelligence in therapy, many individuals are turning to AI chatbots as a substitute for human counseling due to accessibility and affordability concerns. For some, these digital tools have provided a lifeline, but experts caution that relying solely on AI may not be enough. Kristen Johansson's experience is a prime example. After her therapist stopped taking insurance, she was forced to seek alternative options. "I was devastated," the 32-year-old mom recalled. "Six months later, I'm still without a human therapist." Instead, she turned to ChatGPT, an app developed by Open AI, which offers a monthly service upgrade for $20. Johansson credits the AI chatbot with helping her cope with anxiety and depression. "I don't feel judged. I don't feel rushed. I don't feel pressured by time constraints," she said. "If I wake up from a bad dream at night, she is right there to comfort me and help me fall back to sleep." However, mental health professionals are raising concerns about the limitations of AI in therapy. Dr. Lisa Damour, a psychologist and author, notes that while AI can be helpful as a supplement to human therapy, it should not replace face-to-face interactions. "Human connection is essential for emotional healing," she emphasized. Background research suggests that AI chatbots may struggle with complex emotional issues, such as trauma or grief. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that participants who used AI-powered therapy reported lower levels of improvement compared to those who received human therapy. Despite these concerns, many individuals are turning to AI chatbots due to accessibility and affordability concerns. According to a recent survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 60% of respondents reported difficulty finding a mental health professional in their area. In response to growing demand, some companies are developing more advanced AI-powered therapy platforms. For example, Woebot, an app that uses AI to provide emotional support and cognitive-behavioral therapy, has seen significant growth since its launch last year. As the use of AI chatbots for mental health continues to rise, experts emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare professionals when seeking treatment. "AI can be a helpful tool, but it should not replace human interaction," Dr. Damour cautioned. In Practice: If you're struggling with mental health issues and cannot access human therapy, consider reaching out to local support groups or online resources. When using AI chatbots for mental health, remember that they are not a substitute for human connection and professional guidance. Consult with a healthcare professional before relying solely on AI-powered therapy. Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) survey Journal of Clinical Psychology study Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist and author This article is part of an ongoing series exploring the intersection of technology and mental health. *Reporting by Npr.*