Somethign that has intrigued me since AI has gained popularity and mass spread through idnustrys is its effect on counseling. Therapy is a very personal thing and we know that AI is not close to being human any time soon so my question is how is AI doing in the therapy and mental health industry.
Facts:
- A new clinical trial out of Dartmouth found that a generative AI therapy chatbot called “Therabot” led to major improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders. People with depression saw a 51% drop in symptoms, and those with anxiety saw a 31% reduction. This suggests that AI therapy could be just as effective as traditional outpatient therapy especially for people who don’t have easy access to in-person care.
- According to NPR, new research shows that with the right training, AI bots can actually deliver mental health therapy just as effectively if not more so than human therapists in certain situations. It’s a pretty big shift in how we think about care, especially when access is limited or waitlists are long.
Thoughts:
The idea that AI is able to actually help people with personal and emotional issues is pretty incredible and honestly, a little nerve-racking. On one hand, it opens up huge opportunities for people who struggle to access traditional mental health support due to cost, stigma, or limited availability. Tools like AI-powered therapy chatbots can offer immediate, judgment-free conversations and even mimic therapeutic techniques that help people feel heard and supported.
But at the same time, it’s hard not to wonder about the emotional depth that AI can actually offer. Can a bot truly understand the complexity of human emotion? Can it pick up on subtle cues, or know when to push and when to pause? There’s also the question of data privacy sharing something so personal with a machine isn’t exactly an easy leap.
This is exciting but it also forces us to think more critically about how we define care, connection, and trust in a digital world. AI doesn’t replace human therapists, but if used carefully, it might just expand what access and support can look like.
Heading Into The Future:
The National Library of Medicine put out a narrative review which emphasized that AI chatbots can identify mental health issues and deliver evidence-based therapeutic techniques, making support more accessible and personalized.
AI therapy tools many of which are built on evidence-based approaches like CBT are starting to show real potential as a supplement to traditional mental health care. One of the biggest advantages? They’re available 24/7 and can scale way more easily than human therapists, which could seriously help with the current shortage of mental health professionals.
That said, AI isn’t here to replace therapists. But interestingly, studies are finding that people can still build a sense of connection, or what’s called a “therapeutic alliance,” with these tools. As AI continues to improve, it’s likely we’ll see it integrated into treatment plans alongside in-person or virtual therapy, not as a replacement, but as another layer of support.
Sources:
NextHealth 
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