Amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, certain technological tools have begun making their way into previously unexpected fields, such as AI-driven psychotherapy. A new experiment conducted by a reporter explored ChatGPT’s ability to provide psychological support, with the session beginning with a welcoming message: “Hello, I am GPT therapist—your friendly and empathetic companion here to listen and offer support for whatever is on your mind.”
The program clarified that it is not a substitute for professional therapy, but rather offers comforting advice, coping strategies, and a safe space to express emotions. “How are you feeling today?” was the first question asked by the bot, reflecting its attempt to interact with the user on a personal level.
Controversial virtual support
May Dunnam, a 24-year-old American woman, has been using ChatGPT for the past two months to receive emotional advice twice a week. Dunnam says: “I need a fresh perspective that helps me see things from a different angle, away from the thoughts that usually cross my mind.”
May turned to the bot after seeing a positive experience on social media. “The first message I sent to the bot was: Honestly, I need someone to talk to. Can I share my thoughts with you? And the reply was: Absolutely. The beginning was more encouraging than I expected,” May adds.
Dunnam considers interacting with artificial intelligence comforting because it is free from the judgments that a human therapist might make due to facial expressions. However, her experience sparked debate on platforms like TikTok, where opinions were divided between those praising the use of technology for psychological support and those preferring traditional therapy.
Expert perspective: Benefits and risks
Dr. Russell Fulmer, chair of the American Counseling Association’s ethics committee, emphasizes that research supports the effectiveness of AI in helping certain groups suffering from mild anxiety or depression. However, he points out that using bots as a substitute for human therapists raises ethical issues, such as providing advice that could be misleading or inappropriate.
On the other hand, Dr. Marilyn Wei, a psychiatrist and founder of an integrative therapy practice, warns against the risks of using bots that are not specifically designed to support mental health. “Bots can provide inaccurate information or align with a user’s desires rather than offering real advice based on medical standards,” Wei says.
Technology versus human therapy
Dr. Daniel Kimmel, a psychiatrist and assistant professor at Columbia University, compared ChatGPT’s responses with what a human therapist provides. Kimmel says: “The bot does a good job of interacting and offering general recommendations, but it lacks the human curiosity to ask deep questions that help patients discover the roots of their problems.
Kimmel also points out the absence of medical standards ensuring the protection of users’ privacy in conversations with bots. “In contrast, conversations with human therapists are subject to laws that protect patient privacy, such as HIPAA.”
The future of AI in psychological support
Despite potential risks, some experts believe chatbots can be useful for those who cannot access a psychotherapist due to high costs or time constraints. However, they must be used as an auxiliary tool alongside human therapy, not as a replacement.
May Dunnam believes that technology can help introverted people who prefer to express their feelings without the presence of another person. “Our mental health should be a priority. Even if the therapy is unconventional, we should not underestimate its importance because it may help many people,” Dunnam says.
