Is AI My New Therapist?
Written by: Jenny Maguire, LCSW-C
With Artificial intelligence (AI) enhancing so many areas of our lives, it seems natural to assume it can provide similar conveniences in mental health. I’ve read about new apps that assist people with challenging negative thoughts much like their therapists do. I’ve heard people praise their “AI friend” for keeping them company on a walk or long drive resulting in a familiar validation that they used to only expect from therapy. And even people raving about how much they are learning about their family patterns the way they would from a professional.
So, the question remains, is AI my new therapist?
Fine points like increasing access to information, bringing more affordable resources to those who might otherwise go without, and the convenience around scheduling on demand pose AI as highly beneficial regarding mental wellness. However, professionals are concerned about its limitations saying it’s not a suitable replacement for a licensed therapist.
In deciding whether AI can be a replacement for therapy, let’s begin by familiarizing ourselves with what it is, “artificial intelligence (AI) is defined as the ability of a computer to perform tasks typically done by humans by using technology to perform the same intellectual processes as humans like reasoning, learning, problem solving, and using language.” It’s been described as engaging empathetically, offering support, and even challenging problematic behaviors. Due to these capabilities, it would seem to positively enhance mental well-being and reduce mental health issues based on the client’s input.
As with any new phenomenon, its outcomes are limited by the time available to research the impact on a population. There haven’t been significant opportunities to study the effect of AI on mental health outcomes or explore the risks associated with exposing personal life experiences and vulnerabilities to a computer.
A few concerns from the professionals begin with the emotional detachment of working outside the human connection, which is unique to the human experience. After nearly 20 years with increasing access, we are just beginning to understand how the internet and social media are impacting our youth in terms of social skills and in-person communication/conflict resolution. It’s fair to consider that bringing your emotional needs to an unemotional process might be unsatisfactory. Admittedly, there are also limitations pertaining to cultural or racial experiences which could be barriers to already underserved and marginalized populations.
The benefit of building trust and alliance with your therapist is reflected in how they get to know your non-verbals, expressions, and observations in behavior. Without a client being highly self-aware, it’s possible to misinterpret or even work against what might best benefit them.
Of course, with any technological component there are going to be concerns around confidentiality and privacy, but with therapy we must consider ethics as well. A professionally licensed therapist is trained but also bound by law for accountability – who will be responsible to protect users’ information and can they determine an ethical dilemma?
In summary, experts are optimistically curious about how AI therapy can supplement traditional therapy while remaining cautious of the limitations for their clients’ best interest.
The benefits of AI therapy are clear, although there may be circumstances when seeking treatment from licensed professional humans are required for optimal outcomes.
Here are some general guidelines:
If you are in crisis, with debilitating symptoms such as panic attacks, thoughts about suicide, or mania
When you have tried AI therapy and don’t seem to be improving
When you are working through a problematic relationship or patterns of conflicting relationships
When there are co-occurring health conditions for which symptoms are possibly overlapping
Any symptoms you would describe as interrupting your ability to function and perform daily activities such as going to work/school, driving, etc.
Even if these don’t apply to you, experts suggest beginning with a human mental health professional to get an accurate assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan, and if needed, medication.
We would love to hear from you about what AI therapy you’re trying and what the experience has been like!