The Rise of AI Therapy in 2025 & Beyond
- How AI Therapy is being used in Counselling Today
- Types of Therapy Available to Online Users
- Opportunities and Accessibility
- Ethical and Regulatory Challenges
- The Complementary Role of AI Therapy
- The Benefits of Using AI in Counselling and Therapy
- When Machines Miss the Mark: Limitations of AI-Based Support
- Extremely Important Expert Concerns
- Raising Awareness of the Negative Possibilities of Using AI for Therapeutic Interactions
- Ethical Safeguards and the Importance of Professional Oversight
- Legal and Regulatory Oversight of AI Therapy
- Evidence-Based Concerns and Legal Challenges in AI Therapy
The Rise of AI Therapy: A Guide to Its Role, Limits, and Ethical Challenges in Counselling
AI Therapy has become an increasingly prominent topic in the present day. As digital tools evolve and demand for emotional support outpaces availability, many individuals are turning to AI-powered chatbots for immediate and convenient alternatives. But while the technology promises to increase access and responsiveness, it also introduces questions of effectiveness, safety, privacy, and the irreplaceable value of human connection. This article explores how AI Therapy is being used within the counselling process, its benefits and limitations, and the vital importance of ethical oversight.
How AI Therapy is Being Used in Counselling Today
The integration of AI Therapy into the counselling process is already well underway and manifesting in a range of tools, most notably conversational chatbots, virtual mental health assistants, and self-guided therapeutic apps. These technologies are designed to replicate aspects of therapeutic conversation, offering users a structured, dialogue-based experience that can help them explore their feelings, identify stressors, and practise psychological strategies in real time. At their core, these systems rely on large language models and algorithmic pattern recognition to deliver responses that seem attentive and relevant—though they remain ultimately non-human in comprehension.
Popular tools such as ChatGPT, Woebot, and Character.ai have found widespread adoption among users who seek quick, low-barrier access to emotional support. These platforms can provide immediate guidance, helping users articulate their concerns, process difficult emotions, or even prepare for upcoming therapy sessions. Many of these tools operate without the need for appointments, paperwork, or geographical proximity, making them especially attractive in times of isolation or during mental health crises when professional help is unavailable. In some cases, they also serve as a bridge for individuals who are hesitant or unable to seek in-person counselling, offering a gentler first step into the therapeutic process.
Moreover, AI Therapy platforms are increasingly being embedded into larger ecosystems of care. For instance, some healthcare providers and wellness apps now incorporate AI features into patient portals or employee assistance programmes, offering automated emotional check-ins, behavioural nudges, or journaling prompts. While these tools are not substitutes for human therapists, they represent a shift toward more proactive and integrated models of support—models that combine the reach of technology with the foundational principles of counselling psychology.
What makes these tools appealing is not just their availability, but also their design and adaptability. Many AI systems draw on principles from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), prompting users to reflect, reframe negative thoughts, and apply coping strategies. Some systems also integrate mood tracking, goal setting, or mindfulness exercises—features that align with evidence-based approaches in mental health care. For users who value anonymity, speed, and the non-judgemental presence of a machine, these tools can create a sense of immediate support without fear of stigma or embarrassment. In certain situations, users may feel more comfortable sharing their emotions with an AI than with another person. However, while AI can simulate conversation and deliver structured responses, it remains limited in its capacity for genuine empathy, contextual awareness, and therapeutic judgment. These limitations mean that AI, while useful, cannot yet replace the nuanced understanding and relational depth offered by trained professionals.
Types of AI Therapy Available to Online Users
Text-Based Chatbots
These are the most common form of AI Therapy. Text-based chatbots such as Woebot, Wysa, and ChatGPT simulate human-like conversations using natural language processing. They are designed to engage users in therapeutic dialogue, offer CBT-inspired prompts, and help users reframe negative thoughts. These tools provide 24/7 accessibility and can be especially helpful for users seeking anonymity or immediate emotional support.
Emotion-Tracking and Mood Logging Apps
Apps like Youper and Replika combine AI with self-reporting features that allow users to log their mood, track emotional patterns over time, and receive data-driven insights. Some use AI to suggest coping strategies based on trends in mood logs or daily activities. These systems aim to increase emotional awareness and encourage proactive mental health management.
AI-Guided CBT Programs
Several platforms use AI to deliver structured cognitive behavioural therapy modules. Tools like Flow and Woebot Health offer lessons, interactive tasks, and reflective questions to help users develop skills in emotional regulation, behavioural change, and self-compassion. These tools are often designed in collaboration with licensed therapists to ensure clinical validity.
Voice-Activated Virtual Therapists
Although less common, some AI therapy systems integrate with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. These tools allow users to speak aloud about their concerns and receive vocalised feedback or suggestions. Voice-based AI can feel more natural for users who prefer speaking over typing, but the technology is still developing and typically limited in emotional nuance.
Therapeutic Roleplay and Simulation Tools
Character.ai and Replika offer conversational agents that simulate relationships or therapeutic roles. Some users configure these agents to act as non-judgmental friends, coaches, or even fictional therapists. While not clinically approved, these AI companions are used by individuals seeking emotional validation, stress relief, or rehearsal for real-life interactions.
Opportunities and Accessibility
One of the most significant advantages of AI Therapy is improved access. Long waiting lists, high costs, and geographical limitations have made it difficult for many people to engage with experienced counsellors in a timely manner. AI tools, by contrast, are available 24/7 and are often free or low-cost, providing a potential lifeline for individuals who might otherwise feel unsupported.
In regions like Taiwan, China, and the UK, young people have turned to AI chatbots as a first step in exploring emotional issues. For some, these tools act as therapeutic diaries or conversation partners, offering a sense of emotional validation without the barriers often associated with in-person counselling. In such cases, AI does not replace traditional support but serves as a bridge, helping users organise their thoughts, recognise their distress, and, in some cases, prepare for future human-led sessions.
AI also holds potential for people living in rural or remote areas, where access to counselling is minimal. In such contexts, AI-enabled tools can offer structure, continuity, and a measure of stability. Additionally, for individuals from cultural backgrounds where emotional disclosure is discouraged, anonymous interaction with an AI may feel safer and less stigmatising.
Ethical and Regulatory Challenges
Despite the appeal of accessibility, the use of AI Therapy raises serious ethical concerns. One of the most immediate issues is the lack of oversight. Many AI tools currently in use have not undergone rigorous clinical testing, and few are supported by strong evidence bases. This gap between adoption and validation has prompted concern among mental health professionals, who worry that users may be relying on tools that are poorly designed, inconsistently trained, or not fit for purpose in times of serious distress.
A major limitation of AI in this domain is its inability to interpret non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice, body language, or subtle emotional shifts—elements that are central to effective counselling. This deficiency means that while AI may respond to keywords or phrases with apparent relevance, it cannot offer the kind of attuned responses or embodied presence that characterise human-led support.
There are also important questions around data privacy and user safety. Many AI systems store or process highly sensitive personal data, yet users may not always be aware of how this information is used or protected. Because these tools do not fall under traditional healthcare confidentiality laws, the risk of data misuse or exposure is real. Users must therefore navigate these tools with caution and be fully informed about the platforms they choose.
The Complementary Role of AI Therapy
The complementary role of AI Therapy is perhaps its most appropriate and sustainable application. Across multiple studies and news reports, experts consistently emphasise that AI should never be positioned as a replacement for experienced counsellors. Instead, AI is best viewed as a tool that can assist, enhance, and extend human-led care—particularly when access is limited or delayed.
Some AI tools are already demonstrating potential in structured environments. In one clinical trial led by researchers at Dartmouth College, a well-trained AI bot achieved measurable improvements in client wellbeing, especially when supporting individuals dealing with low mood or anxious thoughts. However, the success of this system was attributed not only to its algorithmic capabilities, but to the five-year development process that incorporated professional input and strict quality controls.
What becomes clear is that outcomes improve when AI Therapy is paired with thoughtful human oversight. Just as digital calendars or journaling apps support wellbeing without claiming to replace therapy, AI can provide structured prompts, offer reminders, and even encourage users to attend sessions or practise therapeutic techniques between appointments. In this way, AI becomes part of a broader ecosystem of support—anchored by human empathy and professional insight.
Supporting Emotional Health Between Sessions with AI
AI tools are increasingly being used to help clients sustain emotional wellbeing in the time between therapy sessions. For many people, this is when challenges surface most acutely—when there’s no therapist immediately available but emotions, habits, or situations require support. In these moments, AI offers a form of guided self-regulation.
Clients can use AI-enabled apps to log their moods, reflect on emotional triggers, or practice grounding techniques like breathwork, cognitive reframing, or journaling. These tools are often available 24/7 and can respond in real time with compassionate prompts tailored to the user’s input. Over time, this helps clients build emotional resilience and a greater sense of agency in managing their wellbeing independently.
When used with intention, these tools complement therapy rather than replacing it. With the client’s consent, therapists may review selected entries to gain additional insight into what the client is experiencing between sessions. This can deepen the therapeutic alliance and allow for more responsive and targeted in-session work.
Ultimately, AI acts as a continuity tool—helping clients stay connected to the therapeutic process even when they’re not in the room. It extends the benefits of therapy into daily life, offering timely, personalised support exactly when it’s needed most.
The Use of AI When Preparing for the Next Appointment
One of the lesser-known but highly practical uses of AI Therapy is its ability to support preparation ahead of a counselling appointment. As noted in the previous paragraph, AI tools can help clients structure their thoughts, reflect on recent events, and identify recurring patterns in mood or behaviour. By engaging in short guided dialogues or using mood-logging features, clients are able to crystallise the key challenges and milestones since their last session. This preparation can be especially beneficial for those who struggle to express themselves spontaneously or tend to feel overwhelmed during appointments.
For counsellors, having access to a more focused and coherent overview of the client’s recent experiences allows for a quicker and deeper entry into meaningful therapeutic work. Rather than spending the first part of the session exploring surface-level updates, therapist and client can use their time together more efficiently, concentrating on the underlying themes that truly require attention.
AI-driven prompts can also encourage clients to set session goals or jot down questions they may otherwise forget. In this way, AI acts as a reflective tool between sessions, helping to maintain momentum and ensure that each appointment builds progressively on the last.
The Benefits of Using AI in Counselling and Therapy
The integration of Artificial Intelligence into counselling and therapy brings a range of compelling benefits that can complement traditional therapeutic approaches. As previously mentioned, one of the most significant advantages is enhanced accessibility. AI tools—such as mental health chatbots and mood-tracking applications—are available 24/7, making them especially valuable for individuals who may live in remote areas, have limited access to therapists, or feel hesitant about seeking help face-to-face.
AI also supports therapists in clinical decision-making. By analysing patterns in client input and behaviour, AI can help flag emerging risks, monitor progress over time, and suggest evidence-based interventions. This enhances the quality and responsiveness of care, allowing therapists to tailor their approach more effectively.
From a practical standpoint, AI can also reduce administrative burdens. Automated note-taking, appointment scheduling, and even session summaries can free up time for therapists to focus on what truly matters—the therapeutic relationship.
In a recent New York Times article, experts highlighted how AI tools are already being used to support human therapists, not replace them. These systems can help clients articulate their thoughts between sessions and prepare for deeper conversations with their counsellors. One client shared: “Using the app helped me clarify how I was feeling before my actual session. It gave me words when I didn’t have any.”
When used responsibly and in combination with human expertise, AI has the potential to make counselling more inclusive, responsive, and effective. It is not a substitute for therapy—but it can be a powerful companion on the journey toward emotional wellbeing.
On-Line Resources Supporting the Use of AI Therapy in Counselling
- 24/7 Accessibility
AI-powered tools like chatbots offer round-the-clock mental health support, especially helpful for individuals without immediate access to a therapist.
Source: World Economic Forum - Support for Underserved Populations
AI can bridge service gaps for rural or underserved communities where mental health resources are limited.
Source: Nature Medicine - Enhanced Therapy Preparation
Clients can use AI tools to reflect on emotions and prepare for sessions, creating more focused and productive therapy experiences.
Source: New York Times - Administrative Efficiency for Therapists
AI can automate tasks such as scheduling, note-taking, and summarising sessions, freeing up therapists to focus more on client care.
Source: Forbes - Data-Driven Insights
AI can analyse patterns in mood, language, and behaviour to help clinicians make informed decisions and track progress.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology
When Machines Miss the Mark: Limitations of AI-Based Support
While AI tools can offer valuable features, they are not without significant limitations—especially when used in isolation. Users have reported feeling emotionally connected to chatbots, describing them as “imaginary friends” or even “cheerleaders.” Yet, this illusion of relationship can become problematic. Without the nuanced, responsive presence of a real human being, AI cannot detect subtle signs of distress, escalate care when needed, or navigate complex emotional dynamics.
In extreme cases, chatbots have been shown to provide inaccurate or even dangerous responses. When a user is in crisis, a poorly trained AI system may fail to respond with the urgency or sensitivity the situation demands. This highlights the risks of over-reliance and the urgent need for stronger standards, transparency, and professional involvement in AI tool development.
Furthermore, AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. Biases in training data can lead to culturally insensitive, inappropriate, or even discriminatory outputs—undermining the very inclusivity that AI is meant to promote. For users from diverse backgrounds, this can result in alienating experiences or harmful advice, further discouraging them from seeking meaningful support.
These concerns point to a critical gap between AI capability and counselling expertise. Until AI systems can genuinely interpret emotional context, tailor interventions, and demonstrate the warmth of human understanding, their role must remain supportive rather than central.
Risks of Using AI in Therapy and Counselling
- Lack of Empathy and Human Intuition
AI lacks emotional intelligence, which can lead to cold or contextually inappropriate responses during sensitive conversations.
Source: The Guardian - Privacy and Data Security Concerns
Sensitive mental health data collected by AI platforms may be vulnerable to breaches or commercial misuse.
Source: The Conversation - Risk of Harm in Crisis Situations
AI may fail to adequately identify or respond to crises such as suicidal ideation, potentially placing clients at risk.
Source: Wired - Bias in AI Algorithms
AI tools trained on non-representative data may perpetuate racial, cultural, or gender bias in therapeutic recommendations.
Source: Brookings Institution - Over-reliance or Misinformation
Users may trust AI tools too heavily or use them in place of professional help, especially when experiencing serious mental health issues.
Source: Psychology Today
The Underestimated but Very Serious Risk of ‘Overreliance’
As AI therapy tools become more sophisticated and widely available, one emerging concern is the risk of overreliance. Some users may begin to treat AI mental health platforms as a substitute for human-led therapy, especially if they perceive them as more convenient, private, or emotionally undemanding. While AI can provide helpful support, as previously mentioned it cannot fully replace the nuanced judgment, empathy, and adaptability of a trained mental health professional.
Overreliance can lead users to delay seeking proper help, particularly for complex issues such as trauma, self-harm, or psychosis, which require human expertise. In a recent Psychology Today article, clinicians warned that while AI may offer comfort in the short term, it “may miss deeper issues that require expert attention and long-term support.”
AI tools are best viewed as supplements—helpful for reflection, monitoring, or interim support between therapy sessions. However, without proper public education, users may overestimate their capabilities and fail to recognise the limitations. Ensuring clear disclaimers and encouraging responsible use is essential to prevent harm through unintentional neglect or misplaced trust.
Extremely Important Expert Concerns
Mental health professionals have voiced a number of concerns about the growing role of AI in therapeutic contexts. One primary issue is accountability—if an AI system gives harmful advice or fails to respond to a client in distress, who is ultimately responsible? Therapists, software developers, and platform providers currently operate in a grey area when it comes to clinical liability.
Experts also worry about the erosion of core therapeutic values. As one psychotherapist remarked in The Guardian, “therapy is a relationship-based process that relies on trust, safety, and mutual understanding—qualities that AI, no matter how advanced, cannot replicate.”
There is also unease about the use of client data. Even anonymised data can sometimes be re-identified, and the commercial interests of app developers may not always align with the ethical standards upheld by clinicians. As AI tools grow more pervasive, many in the profession are calling for tighter regulation, increased transparency, and stronger ethical oversight to ensure that AI complements rather than compromises the therapeutic process.
The Dangerous and Often Overlooked Illusion of Connection
AI chatbots and voice-based assistants can mimic conversation well enough to create what some users describe as a “surprisingly comforting presence.” However, this emotional responsiveness can create the illusion of a meaningful connection where none truly exists. This becomes especially problematic when vulnerable individuals form emotional attachments to AI systems, mistaking machine-generated empathy for genuine human understanding.
The New York Times recently profiled users who became emotionally dependent on AI therapy tools, finding comfort in their non-judgmental tone and constant availability. However, psychologists cautioned that this dynamic could lead to emotional confusion and unmet psychological needs.
Unlike human therapists, AI cannot remember long-term histories in a meaningful way, challenge cognitive distortions with nuance, or offer true relational repair. This artificial sense of intimacy may leave clients feeling more isolated in the long run, particularly when real-life relationships remain unresolved. Promoting digital literacy and emotional awareness around AI interactions is crucial to help users maintain a healthy understanding of what these tools can—and cannot—provide.
Raising Awareness of the Negative Possibilities of Using AI for Therapeutic Interactions
While the benefits of integrating Artificial Intelligence into mental health care are noteworthy, it is equally important to acknowledge and raise awareness of the risks of overreliance; particularly those used in therapeutic interactions which are not immune to error, and without the emotional intuition and ethical judgment of a trained human therapist. They may inadvertently cause harm.
One concern is the potential for AI to provide misleading or inappropriate responses, particularly in high-risk situations involving suicidal ideation, trauma, or abuse. Unlike human clinicians, AI lacks empathy and lived experience. While it can process data and generate responses, it does not understand context in the human sense. As a result, clients may feel invalidated or even retraumatised if the AI misinterprets their needs or responds in a mechanistic way.
Another major issue, and as previously mentioned, is data privacy. Many AI tools collect, store, and analyse highly sensitive personal information. If these systems are not properly encrypted or are used without informed consent, clients’ mental health data could be exposed, misused, or commercialised without their knowledge.
A Guardian investigation highlighted how mental health chatbots have, in some cases, offered “cold or superficial” support, with one example showing an AI encouraging weight loss to someone recovering from an eating disorder. This raised alarm about the unregulated use of AI in vulnerable populations.
Raising awareness of these risks is essential to ensure AI remains a supportive tool—rather than a substitute—for ethical, safe, and human-centred therapy. Clients, therapists, and developers must all engage in critical dialogue about where AI fits in, and where clear boundaries must be drawn.
Ethical Safeguards and the Importance of Professional Oversight
The surge of interest in AI Therapy in the counselling process has outpaced the establishment of ethical safeguards. With growing numbers of users interacting with AI for support, there is an urgent need for clear, enforceable standards to ensure safety, fairness, and transparency. This includes regulating how user data is collected, stored, and used, as well as ensuring that AI responses meet a minimum standard of accuracy and appropriateness.
Without these protections, users may be exposed to serious risks, including the mishandling of sensitive disclosures or the unintended reinforcement of unhelpful thoughts. This is especially concerning in cases where individuals use AI tools to discuss issues, they might not yet feel comfortable raising with another person. In such situations, users often expect a degree of confidentiality and care that AI platforms are not legally or ethically required to provide.
The solution lies in involving experienced counselling professionals in the development, deployment, and monitoring of AI tools. Their expertise can help shape systems that are not only technically proficient but emotionally intelligent, culturally sensitive, and aligned with the core values of therapeutic practice. Transparency is also vital: users should be informed when they are engaging with an AI system, what that system can and cannot do, and how their data will be handled.
Ethical Considerations
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into counselling and therapy, ethical considerations take centre stage. Key concerns include client confidentiality, informed consent, and the therapeutic alliance. AI tools—such as chatbots and digital mental health platforms—must be designed to respect the deeply personal nature of therapeutic work. Clients must be informed when they are interacting with AI and understand the limitations of machine-led responses.
There are also concerns about the depersonalisation of therapy, especially when vulnerable individuals may prefer human connection. Moreover, algorithms must avoid bias—especially against marginalised populations. An AI tool trained on non-diverse datasets may inadvertently offer harmful advice or fail to recognise cultural nuances. Ethical frameworks should also address data collection, storage, and usage.
Mental health data is among the most sensitive, and AI systems must adhere to strict standards of confidentiality and encryption. Above all, AI must not be seen as a replacement for human therapists, but rather as a complement. Ethically responsible use of AI requires constant reflection, updated guidelines, and collaboration between clinicians, developers, and ethicists to ensure that emerging tools support—rather than compromise—client wellbeing.
Professional Oversight Requirements
Oversight is crucial to ensure AI tools in counselling and therapy operate safely, ethically, and effectively. Unlike human practitioners, AI systems do not undergo licensure or supervision in the traditional sense. Therefore, oversight must be purpose-built, involving multidisciplinary teams that include clinicians, technologists, ethicists, and legal professionals. Independent auditing of AI tools is vital to monitor their performance, accuracy, and adherence to therapeutic goals. This includes assessing whether AI platforms appropriately respond to risk indicators such as suicidal ideation or trauma disclosures. Furthermore, oversight must examine data integrity—where and how training data is sourced, how updates are applied, and whether any algorithmic biases exist.
Real-time monitoring systems and clear feedback loops should be in place to flag concerns and trigger human intervention when necessary. Transparency is key: developers must openly document the capabilities and limitations of AI systems so that therapists and users can make informed choices. In regulated settings, oversight may also include approval by ethics boards or digital health agencies. Ultimately, robust oversight ensures that AI remains a support mechanism that upholds the standards of care and protects the dignity and safety of every client.
Legal and Regulatory Oversight of AI Therapy
Legal Standards & Statutory Provisions
AI’s expanding role in mental health care must comply with existing legal standards and statutory provisions. In most jurisdictions, mental health services are subject to data protection, consumer protection, and health regulation laws—all of which have implications for AI. For instance, AI-driven platforms that collect client data must comply with data privacy legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or HIPAA in the United States. Clients must be fully informed about how their data is used, stored, and shared.
Additionally, the principle of informed consent is a legal requirement, meaning clients should know whether an AI is involved in their care and what its limitations are. If an AI tool fails to identify a serious risk or provides harmful guidance, questions of legal liability arise—who is accountable: the therapist, the developer, or the platform provider? Furthermore, and as previously mentioned, jurisdictions may require AI tools in healthcare to be registered as medical devices, with approval from relevant regulatory bodies. Legal frameworks are currently playing catch-up, but new statutory provisions are emerging to close these gaps. Clear, enforceable laws are essential to protect clients and ensure AI is used responsibly in therapeutic contexts.
Regulatory Obligations
Regulatory obligations for AI in counselling and therapy are evolving rapidly as technology outpaces traditional frameworks. Regulatory bodies are beginning to define how AI tools must be developed, deployed, and monitored when used in mental health contexts. At present, many AI-based mental health tools operate in a grey zone—unregulated or only loosely governed by general health tech standards. However, formal regulation is catching up. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) may require certain AI tools to be classified as medical devices. Similarly, in the EU, the AI Act introduces tiered risk classifications, with mental health applications likely falling under “high-risk” categories requiring stringent scrutiny. In the US, the FDA has issued guidance for Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), which includes some AI tools used in psychological care. These regulations typically mandate risk assessments, explainability, audit trails, and regular updates to algorithms. Developers and providers must ensure their products meet technical standards for safety and efficacy while also offering transparency to users. Compliance is not merely a bureaucratic exercise—it is a necessary safeguard to ensure that AI enhances rather than undermines ethical therapeutic practice.
Evidence-Based Concerns and Legal Challenges in AI Therapy
Recent discourse has increasingly highlighted that, although AI therapy tools can be innovative, they are not without serious risks. Evidence-based articles from major news outlets have documented some of these concerns. According to The Guardian… some users have reported feeling misled by AI therapy tools when expecting the empathetic and nuanced interaction that only human therapists can provide. Similarly, pieces in The Independent have scrutinized instances where algorithm-driven advice might have inadvertently worsened clients’ distress by failing to detect escalating crises.
In addition to the emotional and ethical challenges, there are a growing number of legal actions targeting companies whose AI therapy products have allegedly caused harm. For example, in the United States and the United Kingdom, there have been cases where users pursued legal recourse after receiving advice from AI platforms that was later found to be inconsistent with established therapeutic practices. These cases underscore the importance of rigorous oversight and comprehensive regulatory standards when using AI in mental health care.
Key concerns include:
- Risk of Overreliance: Clients may substitute AI interactions for professional human support.
- Illusion of Connection: Algorithmic responses, while timely, lack the depth of genuine human empathy.
- Expert Concerns: Clinicians and legal experts warn against unregulated use of these tools.
Evidence-Based Articles on AI Therapy Risks:
- The Guardian: Experts warn therapy AI chatbots are not safe to use Published: May 7, 2025
- The Guardian: AI therapists can’t replace the human touch, says British Psychological Society Published: May 11, 2025
- The Independent: AI in healthcare may worsen discrimination and marginalise patients Published: January 2024
- The Independent: Why AI therapy may not be suitable for people in crisis Published: March 2025
Legal Actions and Regulatory Developments:
- BBC News: Character.ai sued after chatbot allegedly encouraged teen suicide Published: December 11, 2024
- Pluribus News: Legislators move to rein in AI therapy Published: May 28, 2025
- Vox: California bill targets impersonation of health professionals by AI Published: March 2025
- Privacy World: AI chatbot litigation and the rise of product liability cases Published: November 11, 2024
- Health Law Advisor: Utah’s AI Policy Act and mental health chatbot regulation Published: April 2025
Looking Ahead: A Future of Collaboration, Not Competition
As we look to the future, the goal should not be to pit technology against traditional counselling but to foster a collaborative model that leverages the strengths of both. AI Therapy can—and arguably should—be used to expand access, personalise support, and encourage proactive engagement. But these benefits will only be realised if they are matched by thoughtful integration and strong ethical frameworks. There are already signs that this balanced approach is taking shape. Several digital mental health platforms have begun blending AI-driven check-ins with scheduled sessions from human counsellors. Others use AI to triage users based on urgency or recommend self-help materials between appointments. These models preserve the centrality of human care while allowing AI to handle practical or logistical tasks. It is also likely that AI will evolve in its capacity to learn from interactions, adapt its tone, and better reflect the emotional realities of those it engages with. However, no matter how sophisticated these systems become, they will remain tools—not therapists. Their value lies in supporting human connection, not replacing it.
Conclusion: Supportive, Not Substitutive
AI Therapy is already reshaping the landscape of emotional support, offering novel ways to engage with people who may otherwise feel alone, unheard, or unable to access traditional help. Yet, its role must be carefully defined. The application of AI Therapy is best understood not as a revolution but as a reinforcement—one that, when designed ethically and used responsibly, can complement the skills of experienced professionals and enhance the reach of meaningful support. Whether used as a stopgap while waiting for a session, a prompt for reflection, or an educational tool, AI can play a part. But at the heart of counselling remains a human connection—something no algorithm can replicate. The future of counselling will not be artificial or human. It will be both, working together, in service of those who seek to be heard.
How to Get Started with a Free Initial Consultation
At Counselling Thailand, we understand the importance of finding the right therapist for addressing your concerns and needs. That’s why we offer a free initial 15 minute consultation for individuals and 30 minutes for couples and families before booking your first therapy appointment.
First, complete our online client enquiry form. This will give a little extra information to help us select whom we believe the most suitable therapist would be and then we can email you a list of available appointment times for the free initial call.
During this consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and determine whether our approach aligns with your needs. We will also answer any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with counselling, we can then schedule the first full session(s) at a mutually convenient time.
If you have any questions before booking the free initial call you can either visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page, or mention these whilst completing the online enquiry form.