CAN AI REPLACE THERAPY?

Utilizing AI for mental health information and advice is increasingly common, with a recent KFF poll finding that 1 in 6 adults have done so. AI, unlike therapists, is easily accessed, available 24/7, often free, and, for some, feels more comfortable than speaking to a human about vulnerable matters. Given all of these factors, will we see AI start to replace therapists in the coming years? And, even if AI can do some of the things a therapist does, is it wise to outsource our mental healthcare to machines?

Where We’re At

High-quality research evaluating the effectiveness of AI-administered mental health interventions is in its infancy. The first randomized control trial assessing the effectiveness of AI therapy was published in 2025. This study had encouraging results, finding that participants demonstrated significant reductions in depressive and anxious symptoms. The researchers also found that study participants formed relationships with their AI therapists and grew to trust them.

Another 2025 study compared two groups of participants in a crisis situation to explore interventions that could effectively lower anxiety. One group received psychotherapy 3x/week and the other had access to a chatbot for 24/7 support. Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in their anxiety levels, though the participants in the traditional therapy group improved more than their counterparts (45-50% reduction in scores on anxiety measures compared to 30-35%). Though human therapists outperformed AI in this study, the impact that the AI intervention had is notable given how much cheaper and easier to administer it is.

Significantly more research is needed before AI therapy is scaled, but initial data suggests promise. AI seems able to accurately label emotions, provide psychoeducation, assist in early identification of mental health conditions, and deliver manualized therapy. Moreover, AI is not subject to many of the limitations of human therapists. There is no maximum number of clients an AI can see and no wait time to chat with an AI. AI doesn’t burn out, experience compassion fatigue, sleep, or take vacations.

But…

There are dark sides and drawbacks to individuals using AI as therapists. Suicides, violence against others, and the development of delusional thinking that has been termed “AI psychosis” have been documented among people who interact with AI chatbots. AI companions that are not specifically designed for mental health purposes, tested by mental health clinicians, and built to contain safeguards have the potential to do a great deal of harm, particularly to vulnerable populations like children and teens.

 AI has many other shortcomings compared to human therapists. It lacks long-term memory, is prone to display biases that reflect the data sets on which it is trained (e.g., those based on race or gender), and carries many privacy risks. We also have yet to see that AI therapy is effective long-term in reducing mental health symptoms, with some studies showing that early benefits seem to fade over time.

Further, AI does not experience emotions and as such is incapable of true empathy. And, while human therapists can use contextual cues, nonverbal communication, and professional judgment to tailor interventions to a unique individual, AI lacks these capacities. It is also impossible to have shared treatment goals with an AI therapist because AI is designed to maximize user engagement, not to promote healing and independence from it.

Looking Ahead

AI will undoubtedly be a part of the mental health treatment landscape in the future. Most experts agree, however, that it will work best as a complement to rather than a replacement for human-delivered mental health services. In this way, we can maximize what AI is good at, like providing between-session support or assistance practicing coping skills, while minimizing the risk of harm.

In my opinion, we lose a great deal if we remove the human relational element from therapy. So much healing happens simply in the relationship of care between a therapist and their client. When a therapy client is witnessed by their therapist with warmth and unconditional acceptance, it can form the basis for positive self-regard and self-love. Knowing that another person sees the good in you and believes in you is invaluable.

Please note: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed mental health provider or other healthcare professional for guidance related to your specific mental health or medical concerns.