How effective are existing AI therapy chatbots?

The article cites studies showing that existing chatbots like Wysa and Youper have been about as effective at reducing depression and anxiety as in-person counseling.

What are the concerns with using AI for mental health therapy?

The article highlights risks such as chatbots going "off the rails" and misadvising patients, as well as the tendency for language model-based chatbots to be overly agreeable, potentially indulging harmful behaviors instead of challenging them.

Home / Health / AI Therapists Poised to Revolutionize Mental Health Care, but Risks Loom

AI Therapists Poised to Revolutionize Mental Health Care, but Risks Loom

Q: Can AI chatbots effectively replace human therapists?

Yes, according to the article, some doctors and researchers believe that modern chatbots have become sophisticated enough to serve as affordable, scalable, and tireless mental health therapists, provided they can be made safe.

17 Nov

•

Summary

Chatbots could provide affordable, scalable mental health therapy
Existing chatbots show promising results, but concerns about safety and oversight remain
Researchers aim to develop specialized AI therapists to address limitations of general-purpose chatbots

AI Therapists Poised to Revolutionize Mental Health Care, but Risks Loom

As of November 17, 2025, the use of chatbots and AI-powered therapists in mental health care is a rapidly evolving field, with both promises and risks. The article highlights that despite the potential disasters alleged in recent lawsuits, some doctors and researchers believe that modern chatbots have become sophisticated enough to serve as affordable, scalable, and tireless mental health therapists, provided they can be made safe.

The article notes that human therapists are in short supply, with the World Health Organisation reporting that most people with psychological problems in poor countries receive no treatment, and even in rich countries, somewhere between a third and a half of those in need remain unserved. Some people seem willing to open up to a machine, as it can be done from home, is much cheaper, and may be less embarrassing than speaking to a human therapist.