AI as Therapist: A Multidimensional Take

In October 2025, OpenAI released a research report showing how people used their AI model. From the various uses stated, something came to attention and became a topic of scrutiny. It was found that more than a million people, approximately, entered prompts in ChatGPT regarding suicidal thoughts and emotional distress. This data raised a question which is integral in the digital age, regarding the expansion of AI to the realm of therapy, something that is traditionally human-administered and requires humanistic traits. While it is widely agreed that AI increases efficiency and reduces manpower, can it truly replace the role of a human, especially in such a sensitive context?

Emergence of AI in Mental Health Care

The rise in AI in providing psychological support and interventions came about as a result of the high costs that are associated with therapy. High costs per sitting, along with the limited availability of experienced and trained psychologists, made it very difficult for people to seek any emotional help. As opposed to traditional therapy, chatbots such as Wysa, Woebot and Youper provide 24/7 interactions, making it preferable. Recent studies show that nearly 50% of adults with ongoing mental health issues have turned towards these Chatbots for support in the past year.  Young people aged 12 to 21 in the United States reported using chatbots for mental health advice, with many finding the tools helpful and engaging monthly. AI-based therapy is often considered effective because it is affordable, free in most cases, and allows users to remain anonymous.

Benefits and Applications

AI tools often use Cognitive- behavioural- therapy(CBT) frameworks to implement in their chatbots to guide conversations and help users manage their emotions effectively. This can be through exercises, prompts given by the bots subtly to redirect the user’s emotions, mindfulness practices, and more. This administration helps when the patient (user) is unable to do this physically with a trained and licensed professional, be it due to distance or comfort reasons. AI chatbots here help to bridge the delivery of this assistance to individuals.

Another important advantage is that, unlike human psychologists, AI chatbots can consistently track user inputs over time and monitor patterns or progress with certainty. This allows for continuity in interaction and reflection. Furthermore, AI-based therapy offers greater flexibility compared to fixed therapy sessions, which can be beneficial for individuals who need time and space between interactions. As a result, AI therapy often becomes a more time-efficient and financially flexible alternative.

Is it Really the Best Alternative?

With each benefit comes the cons. And with this topic, there are many. The most obvious problem is that of simply not being human. Yes, the AI is equipped to solve basic and simple prompts, but when it becomes even a bit complex, the AI model gets stunned and produces an incorrect response. Unlike humans, AIs cannot predict human emotions like predictability, the different levels of emotional sensitivity and catering to different kinds of patients with different remedies for the same problems. AI simply isnt built for that.

Another concern lies in the use of the term “AI therapist,” which risks oversimplifying something as profound and complex as therapy. This framing has understandably raised concerns among mental health professionals. Therapy is not just about giving responses, but about understanding, connection, and ethical responsibility. Is it truly ethical to consider AI as the sole alternative to traditional, human-administered therapy? This is a question that must be asked repeatedly before relying entirely on tools like ChatGPT for emotional support.

The End Deal

So what does this ultimately mean? Should we completely reject AI-generated therapy, or should we fully accept it without hesitation? The answer does not lie in a simple black-and-white perspective, but somewhere in between. AI is already deeply integrated into our lives, from academic work and daily tasks to lifestyle recommendations. Its presence in mental health support is a natural extension of this integration.

However, AI has its limits. Beyond codes, data, and algorithms, meaningful understanding still comes from humans who design, regulate, and ethically guide these systems. Rather than labelling AI as either a hero or a villain, it may be more realistic to view it as a supportive aid. When monitored carefully and used responsibly, AI can complement mental health care without attempting to replace the human connection that lies at the heart of therapy.