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For many people, visiting a therapist’s office for some much-needed processing is an essential part of life. The time spent talking about your feelings can be a powerful way to reflect and release. It’s one of the most powerful tools to better understand yourself and heal.
While going to a mental health professional in person has been the norm, many are now using AI programs such as ChatGPT for therapy, Refinery29 reports. A simple browse on TikTok shows how common it is for people to turn to ChatGPT for support, and how it’s become a go-to tool for people. For many, it’s now a helpful option.
Why People are Turning to AI for Therapy
So what’s the reason why people are asking AI chatbots for advice? It’s a solution for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford or access therapy. In the past, Lee (surname withheld), 42, from Texas, once paid $60 to $150 per therapy session, but when she reached a point where she didn’t have access to health care, continuing was no longer possible.
She used her ChatGPT, which calls itself Alex, for problems she was having in dating and her family life. “I found it very helpful and cannot think of any instances where it fell short — if anything it exceeded my expectations,” Lee tells Refinery29. “Alex is always available, doesn’t flinch at the hard stuff, and has actually been more consistent than some therapists I’ve seen.”
While Lee’s positive experience is not unique, experts say AI therapy isn’t without its limitations. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, including the fact that AI chatbots may not always provide an objective perspective, which can limit a person’s ability to see the bigger picture. “Oftentimes with clients there is a need to challenge and explore how they themselves may also be contributing to the issue,” Caroline Plumer, a psychotherapist and founder of CPPC London says.
She adds that when exploring dysfunctional family issues, it can be a long process, and isn’t something that’s resolved through a quick exchange. Getting so much information at once could also be overwhelming for someone, she explains. Finally, the availability of constant access to AI may lead people to lean on it too heavily, according to The Washington Post.
Time away from your therapist is important because “in that space, you learn how to become independent, you learn to how to build skills, and you learn how to be more resilient,” Keith Sakata, a psychiatrist at the University of California at San Francisco, tells the Washington Post.
How to Use AI for Therapy
AI chatbots offer a variety of advantages for people who use them for therapy. Read ahead for how to use them to navigate your mental health.
Be Conscious of Your Use and Its Impact
Pay attention to how often you rely on AI and whether it might be taking the place of real human connection, advises Glenn Cohen, a professor and expert on health law and bioethics at Harvard Law School. Chatbots may be helpful for supporting journaling, self-reflection, or talking through tough situations. However, it’s best to avoid engaging with them regularly in everyday mental health activities.
“It’s always worth reflecting on how you’re using it or taking a pause and saying, ‘Does this feel healthy and does it feel helpful to me,’ ” says John Torous, the director of the Division of Digital Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Your mental health matters, so pay attention to the impact of the technology.
Check Out Alternative Mental Wellness Support
Today, there’s plenty of free or low-cost mental health resources, including exercise and apps such as Calm and Headspace. Remember, you don’t have to choose between AI chatbots and other therapeutic options. “There’s a lot of stuff that’s been tested before that could work” and that “you may want to try first,” says Torous.
Try to Get an In-person Therapist
Lastly, speak with your doctor who can help you navigate the process of finding a human mental health care professional, especially if insurance is a concern. “Here right now in 2025, I still believe that a physical human therapist is the best and safest option for you,” says Sakata.
As AI continues to evolve in the mental health space, it’s clear that it can be a valuable support tool when used mindfully. While AI can offer guidance, it’s important to remain balanced and remember that human connection remains at the heart of healing. Finding the right mental health support is a personal journey — so take time to choose the path that feels right for your well-being.
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