AI and Therapy: Using Technology Thoughtfully in Mental Health
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life. People are using AI tools to help with writing, organizing schedules, researching ideas, and even reflecting on emotions. It is no surprise that many people are also beginning to use AI for mental health purposes.
I first used ChatGPT in March 2025, when I encountered an insurance billing issue in my private practice. I was surprised by how quickly it helped me problem-solve and organize information. Since then, I’ve used AI tools for many everyday tasks, including coming up with dinner ideas, planning trips, organizing thoughts, and brainstorming projects.
Like many people, I’ve also noticed moments where I’ve used AI to think through relational situations or emotionally stressful experiences. That realization partly inspired this post. As these tools become more common, I think it’s important to have honest conversations about both their usefulness and their limitations in the context of mental health.
As a therapist, I do not see AI as a replacement for therapy, human connection, or the healing that happens within safe relationships. At the same time, I do think there may be ways technology can support people between therapy sessions when used carefully and intentionally.
Clients Are Already Using AI
Many people are already turning to tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms to:
journal or reflect on emotions
learn coping skills
ask questions about mental health
prepare for therapy sessions
draft difficult conversations or boundary-setting messages
For some individuals, AI may help slow down overwhelming thoughts or put difficult emotions into words.
Rather than ignoring this reality, I believe it is important to talk openly about both the benefits and limitations of these tools.
Ways AI May Be Helpful
When used thoughtfully, AI may support mental health in a few practical ways.
Psychoeducation and Coping Skills
AI tools can help explain concepts such as:
anxiety
grounding skills
nervous system responses
attachment patterns
emotional regulation
Some people may use AI to review coping tools or generate reminders for self-care and grounding practices.
Emotional Expression, Reflection, and Journaling
Some individuals are beginning to use AI tools as a way to journal, reflect, or process thoughts between therapy sessions. For some people, especially those who struggle to open up emotionally, AI may feel like a safer or less intimidating place to begin putting thoughts and feelings into words.
In those situations, AI may help someone identify experiences or emotions they later choose to bring into therapy. For example, a person might ask:
“How can I bring this up in therapy?”
Or they may use AI simply to help untangle thoughts that feel emotionally overwhelming or difficult to express out loud.
At the same time, AI is not a substitute for therapy or human relationship. While technology may help lower the barrier to self-expression for some individuals, deeper healing often happens through safe, attuned connection where emotions can be explored collaboratively and compassionately.
Important Limitations
While AI can sometimes be helpful, it also has significant limitations.
AI does not truly know you. It does not understand human experience in the same way a safe relationship does. It cannot replace attunement, embodied presence, or the deeper healing that often happens through human connection.
AI tools can also:
misunderstand nuance
give inaccurate information
over-simplify emotional experiences
reinforce unhealthy reassurance-seeking
create a false sense of certainty
This is especially important in trauma work, where emotional experiences are often complex and layered.
Areas That Require Extra Caution
I encourage particular caution when it comes to:
trauma processing
dissociation
memory interpretation
suicidality
severe emotional distress
using AI as a substitute for real human support
AI should not be relied upon for crisis support or emergency mental health care.
For individuals with trauma histories, there is also a risk of becoming overly dependent on AI for emotional comfort while avoiding the vulnerability and complexity of real relationships.
A More Balanced Approach
In my view, AI may be most helpful when used as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for therapy.
Healthy uses may include:
reinforcing coping skills
learning psychoeducation
practicing reflection
preparing for therapy sessions
At the same time, it is important to remain connected to real human relationships, community, and professional support when needed.
Technology may support mental health in meaningful ways, but it cannot replace the depth of healing that happens through self-awareness, safe relationships, and therapeutic connection.
As AI continues to evolve, I believe thoughtful conversations about healthy and ethical use will become increasingly important. My hope is that we approach these tools with both curiosity and discernment, recognizing both their potential benefits and their limitations.
And sometimes, AI may simply be helpful for deciding what to make for dinner after a long day, which honestly is its own kind of mental health support.