Why AI Isn’t A Substitute For Real Therapy

Filed in Therapy and Trending Topics 

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly become a part of our daily lives – from using it to write papers to organizing and planning our schedules. While AI can be beneficial for getting immediate responses when making tough personal decisions; many people are beginning to substitute the popular application for a mental health provider.

At first glance, it may seem harmless, convenient, and cost efficient but there are many dangers to using AI as a therapist.

Lack of Human Empathy

Therapy is more than just advice and problem solving; it centers around connection between therapist and client. A good therapist will notice body language, tone changes, and subtle cues that hint to a deeper struggle. AI cannot provide empathy. It may mimic the language of a supportive therapist but it can’t feel or understand human pain.

Risk of Harmful Responses

Although AI is pulling various data that may be relevant to individual responses, it doesn’t always provide clinically safe responses. Depending on the individual and whether the application understands their unique way of expression, the application may offer advice that reinforces harmful thought patterns. Unlike licensed mental health clinicians, AI is not trained in crisis management and de escalation techniques.

Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns

Lastly, one of the most important aspects of therapy is confidentiality. Licensed therapists are bound by ethical and legal standards to protect client information. AI platforms often collect and store user data without full transparency on how the data is stored. There is a risk that the information provided to these platforms may be shared, analyzed or sold which undermines the confidentiality that therapy provides.

AI is a powerful tool but it is not a proper replacement for a therapist. Mental health care requires qualities that only humans can provide – empathy, trust, confidentiality, and accountability. As convenient as AI is, it is important to remember its limitations.

Author: Amber F.

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