Our lives have changed dramatically within the last year and a half. As with evolution, change is inevitable, and some of those changes come with technology. In this case, we are talking about AI. AI can do so many things for us now. With the use of ChatGPT and other applications, we can get recipes, historical information and a specific question answered within a matter of mere seconds. AI can also help us do research, solve complicated math problems, do great brainstorming and write articles and papers in just a few seconds (not this article, however; it is written from scratch haha). But AI has entered a new realm, being a mental health therapist. People can log onto a chatbot bot now and discuss their problems with an AI robot. Is this a good idea? Can patients get the same professionalism, education and skill from an actual therapist and reap positive results?

The advantages of ai mental health

One of the advantages of AI therapy is accessibility. People who are feeling down and just need to talk to someone can easily go online and go to a mental health chatbot or even ChatGPT almost instantly.  There is no cost involved, and there is no lengthy intake process to go through.

Another aspect that people may find comforting is that it gives the person anonymity. There are many people who are not comfortable talking with an actual person. With an AI bot, it provides a judgement-free atmosphere that can make this avenue of mental health more inviting.

With the advancements of AI, it may be able to detect patterns of mental health conditions faster than humans. We are already seeing it in the medical field. Doctors are starting to use methods of AI that can detect cancers and other diseases better than the human process can. it is also used to help predict if a patient may develop any type of disease in their future.

Disadvantages of AI therapy

A huge drawback is the AI being able to handle crisis situations. An AI therapist or chatbot may not be able to help someone in a situation where suicide may be an alternative for the patient. Furthermore, AI may not be able to create a safety plan for this individual if the situation was in a call format to do so. Also, could AI provide the additional outside resources for the individual and do a follow-up with them, which is paramount to their health?

There are also concerns about privacy. AI grows and improves with data they collect from users which helps improve their algorithms. So there may be some concern if sensitive client data may be misused.

Finally, ai does not have that human touch that is needed for their patients.  The empathy, the understanding, and that connection is something ai cannot provide. While ai can detect patterns of speech and can have conversations, it lacks the emotional intelligence to fully connect with the patient. It also lacks the nuanced understanding needed to navigate through the human psyche and the myriads of emotions that are involved.

All in all, AI can provide some good qualities. It can deliver immediate relief, accessibility, free “sessions”, and fluid conversation. But it cannot, and may never, replace the connection of mutual trust and empathy.

Christopher Laird is a mental health professional and science fiction author. Check out his new book “The Journey Of Tanis” by going to his website