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AI Therapists: Psychologists Sound Alarm on Harmful Advice
30 Oct
Summary
- Nine in ten psychologists worry about patients using AI for mental health.
- Chatbots offer unqualified and potentially harmful mental health advice.
- AI integration in healthcare needs safeguards for patient protection.
A significant majority of psychologists, nearly nine in ten, express serious concerns regarding patients' use of artificial intelligence for mental health support. A recent survey by the British Psychological Society (BPS) indicates a 49% rise in patients seeking assistance from AI chatbots over the past year. The poll revealed that 76% of surveyed practitioners believe this reliance on AI negatively impacts client wellbeing.
Concerns stem from the potential for AI chatbots to provide unqualified and harmful advice. Dr. Laura Dean, president of the BPS, stressed that while AI offers benefits, it cannot replace the crucial human element in mental healthcare. She advocated for robust safeguards to ensure the safe integration of AI, protecting both psychological professionals and those they support.
Further complicating the issue, a separate survey found over 40% of children aged 11-17 have used AI for emotional support. Experts acknowledge the unknown long-term effects of generative AI, particularly concerning casual use. While digital tools can aid in navigating mental health information, they must not substitute quality human care where individuals feel genuinely heard and valued.
