The growing use of AI chatbots as stand-ins for therapy is raising serious concerns among mental health professionals, who warn that these tools can create real risks despite their accessibility and low cost. While AI therapists appeal to people facing long wait times or high prices for human care, they lack the ability to fully understand emotional nuance, assess risk, or respond appropriately in crises. Experts worry that users may place too much trust in systems that can offer confident but flawed advice, potentially reinforcing harmful thoughts or delaying proper treatment. There are also unresolved issues around data privacy, accountability, and the absence of clear regulation. As AI mental health tools spread rapidly, critics argue they should complement, not replace, trained professionals and be treated with caution rather than as a cure-all.
