The Impact of AI in the Mental Health Field

Like it or not, AI is transforming healthcare.

Reviewed by Davia Sills

Key points

• Artificial intelligence is reshaping many areas of our lives, including how we receive healthcare information.
• Some report that, like the advent of the internet, AI increases accessibility to underserved populations.
• However, many mental health providers notice risks due to lack of oversight of the information being given.

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping many areas of our lives, including how we search for and receive information about our mental health. Like all technology, AI has its benefits and its risks. Much like the advent of the internet and telehealth, which increased access to underserved populations, AI increases accessibility by giving information to those who need it when they need it.

However, this increase in information availability raises concerns about the risks. Due to a lack of oversight of the information given to vulnerable populations, many clinicians worry that the integration of AI into the mental health field offers more challenges than opportunities.

Benefits of AI in Therapy

AI offers several advantages to therapy patients.

1. Increased Accessibility and Convenience

AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and search engines, offer increased accessibility to mental health support. These tools can provide immediate, 24/7 support, breaking down barriers related to time, location, and availability. For some individuals in underserved or remote areas, AI very well might serve as a stand-alone resource, as it offers support that might otherwise be inaccessible.

2. Early Detection

“The evolution of AI has contributed effectively to the early detection, diagnosis, and referral management of mental health disorders” (Thakkar et al., 2024). Research has found that AI has shown promise in detecting medical and mental health conditions such as Autism, seizures, and even the early stages of schizophrenia.

Furthermore, AI has been able to detect cognitive decline in those at risk, such as the elderly: “AI-powered sensors can detect changes in behavior patterns and alert caregivers or healthcare providers to potential emotional distress or cognitive decline” (Thakkar et al., 2024). With early detection, caregivers and medical providers are better able to provide the best possible support available to patients who need it.

Paul, a 55-year-old man with a family history of diabetes, visited his primary care physician for a routine check-up. During his appointment, the doctor used an AI-powered platform to analyze Paul’s lab results and medical history. The system flagged elevated glucose levels and identified patterns suggesting he was at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

3. Support for Mental Health Professionals

AI can assist therapists by providing data-driven insights and recommendations. For instance, AI can analyze session notes to detect patterns or progress that might not be immediately apparent to the therapist. It can also automate administrative tasks, such as scheduling and documentation, allowing therapists to focus more on direct client interaction.

David, a Licensed Professional Counselor, noticed that some of his clients were struggling to articulate their feelings during sessions. To enhance his practice, he integrated an AI tool that analyzed session transcripts and provided insights into emotional patterns and common themes.

Using this technology, David could identify trends in his clients’ speech, such as recurring phrases or changes in tone that indicated underlying issues. For example, during a session with Lisa, the AI highlighted her increased use of negative language over the past few weeks, prompting David to explore her feelings of hopelessness more deeply. This insight allowed him to adjust his therapeutic approach and introduce targeted interventions.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite these benefits, however, many mental health clinicians understandably remain concerned about the risks and challenges associated with AI’s rising presence.

1. Ethical and Privacy Concerns

One of the primary apprehensions of mental health clinicians include issues related to ethical and privacy concerns. AI systems often require access to sensitive personal data, which raises questions about data security and confidentiality.

Therapists apply ethical principles and moral reasoning in practice, often addressing sensitive issues with intuitive perspective and experience—something that can’t be replicated with a machine. AI systems may struggle with ethical complexities and moral considerations in the same way a human therapist can, but without the human “gut feeling” that can help with reasoning.

2. Lack of Human Touch

While AI can offer some support and provide information, it lacks the human touch that is essential for therapeutic relationships. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship, rather than any specific modality used, is the biggest predictor of success in treatment (Ardito & Rabellino, 2011). Therapy is not just about providing solutions but also about fostering a supportive and empathetic relationship, which, at least at this time, AI may struggle to deliver. As is not surprising, empathy, emotional understanding, and the personal connection between therapist and client are difficult for AI to replicate

As therapists, we often rely on judgment and intuition developed through experience to interpret clients’ needs, emotional states, and non-verbal cues. Over time, we learn to adapt therapy in real-time based on the evolving needs of the client, including adjusting approaches and techniques as needed. AI lacks the ability to do this, instead relying on superficial, surface-level conversations. So, while it might be beneficial for getting information about what types of therapy your insurance may cover, for example, it will likely fail to offer support other than a simple “sorry to hear that” type statement, which can feel cold and dismissive.

3. Lack of Oversight

There is a risk that individuals may become overly reliant on AI for mental health support, potentially neglecting the value of human interaction and professional guidance. A significant risk associated with AI in therapy is the lack of oversight and regulation. AI systems may operate with unchecked biases or inaccuracies, which run the risk of leading to harmful recommendations to those who need support (Espejo et al., 2023).

Like It or Not, It’s Here to Stay

As AI technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will continue to see its integration into the mental health field. When used correctly, AI tools can complement, rather than replace, traditional therapeutic methods.

For those of us who struggle with adaptation to new technologies, it is to our benefit to learn how the basics of how to use and even how to recognize AI. Even if we do not plan to use it in our practice, having a basic understanding of its presence and availability can help empower us as clinicians in a changing world.