Should You Use AI for Therapy? An Overview of The Benefits And Risks

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated in our everyday lives. People are turning to AI to help with everything from small or banal tasks (making music playlists, creating recipes) to large or monumental decisions (whether or not to end a relationship, what career path to pursue). While this emerging technology can enhance our lives and augment many professional services, the use of AI as a replacement for human therapists has already become quite controversial. Maybe this is something you are considering, have already tried, or are intrigued to learn more about. Below you will find some of the arguments for and against using an AI therapist so that you can begin to form your own opinion on this complex topic.

What Are Some of The Advantages of Using an AI Therapist?

Accessibility

AI therapy chatbots are accessible anytime and from anywhere someone has an internet connection. This is especially relevant to people who live in rural communities or require a highly specialized treatment or provider where there might be a long wait time or a therapist shortage. It can also be convenient for people who want to get support in between their therapy sessions or who may have physical or language barriers that limit their mobility or communication.

Affordability

AI therapy is generally less expensive or free to use. Traditional therapy can be cost prohibitive, especially for providers who do not accept insurance.

Decreased Stigma

Unfortunately there is still stigma around seeing a therapist and mental health more generally., and this is one of the most common reasons people delay or avoid seeking help. AI therapy can feel safer to those who worry about stigma and judgment, or who have difficulty trusting others. 

More Comprehensive Approach

Because an AI therapist can offer a range of tools and therapeutic techniques, one is not limited to a specific type of therapy or the perspectives of a single individual. 

Enhances Learning and Reflection

While a human therapist is required to maintain records of therapy sessions, these are typically for their own reference or for legal documentation, and are not shared with patients unless requested by them. Conversations with an AI chatbot can be automatically compiled and saved for later reflection or to easily search for tools or suggestions that may have come up throughout the chat.

What Are Some of The Disadvantages of Using an AI Therapist?

Lack of Nuance and Attunement

While an AI chatbot can display empathy, it lacks genuine compassion and can deliver only limited, superficial support. Furthermore, it does not have the insight, experience, or ability to pick up on body language such as eye contact or tone of voice, nor can it provide personalized clinical treatment. A human therapist can detect nuances and emotional subtleties that often provide the most valuable information in a therapy session, allowing for deeper and more impactful work. And most importantly, AI cannot replicate the authentic human connection that is what ultimately leads to growth and healing.

Dependency Concerns

Emerging research has demonstrated that AI chatbots can foster an unhealthy sense of dependence that can actually worsen psychological symptoms. Specifically, those who demonstrated higher daily usage of AI chatbots experienced increased loneliness, decreased socialization, and stronger emotional attachment leading to problematic use.

Privacy Risks

As with anything online, there are cyber security risks and data breaches. However, AI chatbot conversations can contain particularly sensitive information that can be stored, shared or misused without the user’s consent or knowledge, making it especially risky. Unliked licensed therapists, who are bound by strict privacy laws such as HIPPA, AI platforms are not required to protect sensitive information, which can lead to detrimental consequences for the user.

Lack of Licensing and Oversight

AI chatbots do not have the training, licensing requirements, or regulations ensuring a minimum standard of care like human therapists do. At a minimum, this can result in suboptimal care. More concerning, however, is that since there is still little legal or regulatory oversight in this space, users may have no rights or recourse if they are harmed. 

Safety Risks

The most worrisome aspect of AI therapy is without a doubt its inability to detect and mitigate safety risks with the same accuracy and effectiveness as a human. Just this past week, there were two articles published by the same source describing the tragic–and potentially avoidable–deaths of a 16 year old boy and 29 year old woman who used ChatGPT to confide in their suicidal thoughts. Where a human therapist receiving this information would have been able to assess the level of risk and respond appropriately, ChatGPT did not report these disclosures or connect these users to the necessary resources that could have saved their lives. This is what distinguishes talking to a professional from talking to a friend or an AI chatbot; while these outlets can offer support and relief, they are not equipped to handle crises or intervene in emergency situations, such as in cases of suicidal or homicidal intent, abuse, or psychotic episodes. Furthermore, they are not required to adhere to the strict ethical and mandatory reporting laws that licensed therapists are, absolving them of any responsibility for the safety of others.

Summary

While this is not a complete list of all the benefits and limitations of using an AI therapist, hopefully it can serve as a starting point from which you can continue to consider the implications to your own life. Choosing to talk to a therapist is a personal and sometimes daunting decision, so give yourself compassion while you navigate these waters! If you are interested in learning more about how a human therapist can help you, schedule a complimentary phone consultation here.