Psychologists Say Patients Are Bringing AI Into Therapy Sessions: Survey
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As generative AI becomes a fixture of daily life, patients are increasingly bringing chatbot conversations into therapy sessions.
Key facts
- In the survey, 39% of psychologists reported patients using AI to self-diagnose mental health conditions, 33% said patients were using chatbots to assist with therapy or treatment, and 35% reported
- According to a new American Psychological Association survey of more than 1,200 U.S. psychologists, 77% said they have patients who discussed using AI for emotional support, diagnosis, companionship
- The findings follow a recent study from the City University of New York and King’s College London that found several leading AI models could reinforce delusions, paranoia, and suicidal ideation
- Among psychologists whose patients had developed relationships with chatbots, 71% said patients discussed their mental health with AI, while 68% reported that patients felt supported or validated
Summary
More than three-quarters of psychologists surveyed said patients have discussed using AI for mental health support, diagnosis, or companionship. Thirty-five percent of patients reported using AI as an additional mental health professional, while 39% said patients have used it to self-diagnose. Most psychologists expressed concerns about safety, privacy, dependency, and the potential for chatbots to reinforce delusions or self-harm. According to a new American Psychological Association survey of more than 1,200 U.S. psychologists, 77% said they have patients who discussed using AI for emotional support, diagnosis, companionship, or other mental health-related purposes.