AI Therapy vs Human Care: What You Need to Know
The Nystrom & Associates provider consulted for this article on AI Therapy was Brett Cushing, LMFT, host of Everyday Therapy Podcast.
Did you know that people use AI-powered tools like chatbots more for therapy and companionship than anything else? While it may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, the truth is that many people turn to AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT to discuss their relationship problems, career struggles, and mental health concerns.
There are even some platforms like Character.ai and Therabot that are specifically designed to offer instant mental health support. When we refer to “AI therapy,” these types of models are what we’re referring to. Young people especially seem to be turning to these services, which are gaining popularity as low-cost alternatives to traditional therapy.
But is this a good thing? In this article, we’ll delve into licensed therapists’ opinions on AI therapy, the pros and cons, and how AI therapy might work to augment traditional talk therapy. Let’s start by getting into what AI therapy really is.
Related: Is Online Therapy Effective? What Research Shows
How AI Therapy Works
AI Therapy platforms are rapidly growing and changing, but there are a few common features of most of the models we can drill down on.
Most AI Therapy platforms use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to chat in real time with a user. Like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, most of the tools are text-based and involve texting back and forth with an AI model that responds almost instantly. These models are often trained in specific types of therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and are programmed to provide empathetic and validating responses.
They're also programmed to recognize signs of common mental health concerns, and as they learn more about you, their responses will be more personalized and specific to your situation. Even though you're not chatting with a real person, it may feel like it at times, given how much the AI remembers about you and how personalized its responses are to you.
Related: So, You’re Starting Therapy: Here’s What to Know
Are There Benefits to AI Therapy?
When it comes to deciding whether AI therapy is right for you or not, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Brett Cushing believes we need to make an important distinction. "There's a difference between AI that augments therapy and AI that tries to replace a therapist," he says. "Some AI tools can be really helpful for patients, but I think we need to be cautious about trying to replace your therapy with AI."
One of the ways AI can help a patient in their therapy journey is by offering 24/7 chat support – even when the therapist is out of the office or with another client. Some AI tools can also help with mood tracking, which provides helpful information that the patient can provide in their next session.
As for AI therapy replacing a human therapist, the jury is still out on whether that’s possible or advisable. A 2024 study by Dartmouth demonstrated that students who chatted with Therabot, an AI therapy bot, felt it was comparable to talking with a mental health professional. It also found that it was particularly helpful for those who had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. Some research published in Nature even suggests that in certain interactions, AI may be perceived as more empathetic than humans.
However, Brett and many other mental health professionals warn that there are downsides and even potential dangers to AI therapy.
Cons of AI Therapy
One of the main downsides of AI therapy is that it’s quite limited when it comes to more complicated cases that require experienced clinical discernment.
“AI isn’t able to navigate complex diagnoses of trauma, personality disorders, or family systems that require in-depth clinical judgement,” Brett says, noting that this kind of discernment is exactly what he tries to instill in the new therapists he does clinical supervision for.
“Often a therapist I’m doing clinical supervision for will ask me about a client and how to proceed, and I’ll frequently need to respond by telling them that it depends on a number of factors,” he explains. “Clinical issues are complex, and cookie-cutter interventions can cause undue harm, so we need to be cautious when patients have more complicated concerns. At this point, AI just can’t make that call.”
Beyond these clinical limitations, there are broader concerns to consider. Privacy and safety concerns are significant, with documented examples of AI therapy bots encouraging risky behavior or even suicide. Additionally, there are concerns about whether someone who becomes attached to a chatbot may struggle to develop real human relationships.
These concerns suggest that a more balanced, integrated approach may be advisable.
Related: How to Maintain Friendships
A Tool, not a Replacement
This balanced approach requires us to think about this topic not as AI therapy vs. human therapists, but as AI therapy with human therapists. This distinction views AI therapy as a tool that can aid patients in implementing what they’re learning in therapy and to help them understand themselves better.
“Personally, I’m very inclined to have my clients use AI to help them track their moods, thoughts, behaviors, and use it to continually learn more about themselves,” Brett says. In this way, AI could work as an interactive journal that responds to patients between sessions, helping them process thoughts and practice coping skills. Using AI like this may help a patient gain valuable insights about themselves and empower them to practice the coping skills they’re learning in therapy.
As Brett’s approach suggests, while there are drawbacks to using AI as your only therapist, it can be quite empowering to use it as a supplement alongside traditional human therapy.
Related: How to Start Mindfulness Journaling
Get Started with Therapy Today
If you’re interested in starting therapy or getting some extra help outside of AI therapy, please reach out. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or other mental health concerns, we’re here to help. Our caring professionals work with you to develop personalized treatment plans that address your specific situations and goals.
Call 1-844-NYSTROM or request an appointment online to get help today!
