AI Therapy vs. the Real Thing

Pros and cons of using a chatbot for mental health support

The rise of widespread access to artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives has brought forth innumerable questions about its benefits and its challenges. When it comes to mental health support, many people are turning to AI for help. But can AI truly replace a therapist? Let’s explore the pros and cons.

The Pros of Using AI for Mental Health Support

1. It’s Available Anytime
AI doesn’t take weekends or vacations. You can type a question or share your feelings at 2 a.m. and get an immediate response.

2. It’s Low (or No) Cost
While therapy is an investment, AI chats such as ChatGPT can be free or low-cost, making it more accessible for people who aren’t ready or able to commit financially to therapy.

3. It’s Can Feel Judgment-Free
Some people feel more comfortable opening up to an AI at first, especially about topics that carry stigma.

4. It Can Help Between Sessions
If you already see a therapist, AI can be a tool for brainstorming coping strategies, journaling prompts, or practicing social skills when your therapist isn’t available.

The Cons of Using AI Instead of a Therapist

1. It Can’t Provide Diagnosis or Clinical Care
AI can offer general information, but it cannot assess, diagnose, or create an individualized treatment plan.

2. It Doesn’t “See” the Whole You
A therapist uses not only your words but also your tone, body language, and history to understand what’s going on. AI can’t read facial expressions or read the nuances of non-verbal information.

3. Risk of Inaccurate or Generic Advice
Even with advances in AI, information can be wrong, outdated, or too generic to address your specific needs especially in crises. AI has been known to recommend troubling recommendations that can be more harmful than helpful.

4. It’s Not Equipped for Emergencies
If you’re in acute distress, a therapist can intervene appropriately, connect you to resources, and ensure your safety. AI cannot.

5. It is Not Confidential
While the foundation of mental health therapy is based in confidentiality. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has emphasized that ChatGPT chats aren’t protected under confidentiality laws. This means what you say could potentially be reviewed, stored, or even used in legal settings.

Our Take

We think AI can be a helpful adjunct to therapy if used in a targeted and safe way. For deep emotional work, crisis situations, or ongoing mental health needs, a trained human therapist brings empathy, nuance, training, and a safe relationship that AI simply can’t replicate.

If you’re curious about therapy but hesitant to start, AI can be a gentle first step toward opening up. However, if you’re ready for meaningful change, the human connection matters.

If you’re interested in exploring therapy with one of our clinicians, we’re here to talk – no algorithms required. Reach out to info@evokepsych.com