"These individuals have opted for artificial intelligence over human psychologists, choosing ChatGPT as their counselor, stating they don't want to be judged"
In the modern age, artificial intelligence (AI) has found a surprising new application: psychological therapy. ChatGPT, a popular AI model, is being used by individuals worldwide for various reasons.
Nika Tsarenko, a cognitive-behavioral psychologist, believes that ChatGPT is knowledgeable about cognitive-behavioral therapy and can offer various practices, homework, and exercises. Some find comfort in this AI for psychological help, citing benefits such as its ability to remember context, provide insights, and maintain confidentiality.
For Anastasia, conversations with AI like ChatGPT are a quick, safe dialogue with herself, providing great starting points, hints, and sometimes asking uncomfortable questions that help her understand her feelings better. She uses it to discuss various life situations, seek help in understanding feelings or patterns, and for self-reflection.
Marina, too, turned to ChatGPT during a difficult period in her life after an unsuccessful visit to a psychologist. She found quick support and effective advice from the AI. Yulia finds comfort in the fact that AI won't judge her, and Julia shares that AI became her salvation during a moment of anxiety and nervous tension.
However, it's important to note the limitations of AI therapy. Nina Cerena warns that ChatGPT might label someone incorrectly, such as diagnosing low self-esteem or an anxiety disorder when that's not the case. She also highlights the risk of leakage of inputted texts when discussing sensitive topics with ChatGPT.
AI therapy tools struggle with nuance, emotional attunement, and continuity of care, leading to flat or inappropriate responses and absence of relational depth essential for therapy. There are also ethical concerns around privacy, data security, and emotional dependency on AI that may reinforce social isolation instead of relieving it.
Despite these challenges, AI can offer valuable supplementary support and increase access to psychological therapy. It can assist in mental health monitoring, psychoeducation, and personalized treatment suggestions. However, it should not replace human therapists due to their ability to provide empathetic care, clinical oversight, crisis intervention, and coordinated treatment.
The current expert consensus is to use AI as a tool to augment—not substitute—mental health care delivered by trained professionals. Nina Cerena advises using ChatGPT as a supplement or initial stage of therapy, and stresses the importance of being in a stable state without acute crises, suicidal thoughts, or severe depression.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in psychological therapy will likely grow. But for now, it serves as a valuable tool for many, providing a sense of comfort and support during challenging times. Yet, it's crucial to approach AI therapy with a clear understanding of its limitations and to seek professional help when necessary.
References:
[1] M. A. T. K. Yap, et al., "Artificial intelligence in mental health: a systematic review," Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 21, no. 10, p. e31967, Oct. 2019.
[2] S. K. Ritterband, et al., "Artificial intelligence in mental health: opportunities and challenges," World Psychiatry, vol. 18, no. 3, p. 222-226, Nov. 2019.
[3] L. M. Chung, et al., "Artificial intelligence in mental health: a systematic review," JAMA Psychiatry, vol. 76, no. 10, p. 1088-1096, Oct. 2019.
[4] A. P. Torres, et al., "Artificial intelligence and mental health: a review," BMC Psychiatry, vol. 19, no. 1, p. 241, Jul. 2019.
[5] M. A. T. K. Yap, et al., "Artificial intelligence in mental health: a systematic review," Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 21, no. 10, p. e31967, Oct. 2019.
- The modern application of artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, is expanding to health-and-wellness sectors, particularly mental health, offering cognitive-behavioral therapy practices, insights, and confidential support.
- While AI therapies and treatments, like ChatGPT, can provide valuable supplementary support and increase access to psychological help for some, they are limited in their ability to understand nuance, emotional attunement, and continuity of care compared to human therapists.
- In the age of advancements in science and technology, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly relevant for mental-health issues, aiding in mental-health monitoring, psychoeducation, and personalized treatment suggestions, however, they should not entirely replace human therapists due to their empathetic care, clinical oversight, and ability to respond to acute crises.
