Why Are Clients Turning to AI for Mental Health? |
Many individuals using AI for emotional support already have experience with traditional human therapy.
People seek out AI chatbots to access on-demand, pragmatic strategies for emotional regulation and support.
Clinicians who dismiss AI risk alienating clients and creating distance within the therapeutic relationship.
In my last AI for Interactive Journaling workshop, I ran a completely unscientific poll that really surprised me. Of the 55 people who reported therapy experience, 49% are turning to AI for mental health support. Not only that, but they are finding working with AI helpful.
These are people who know what therapy looks and feels like.
And they’re still using and benefiting from AI.
It’s been easy to assume that most people using AI for emotional support were people who didn’t have access to therapy, couldn’t afford it, or didn’t really understand the process. However,........