In November 2022, the world changed when ChatGPT was released. Everyone suddenly had a quick, convenient way to get answers to any questions they had in a way that had never been seen before. One immediately popular way to use ChatGPT was for medical assistance, including in the mental health space. But is a mental health chatbot really the answer? The quick answer is that while it can be a helpful resource, it also has some dangerous limitations that users should be aware of.
The Rise of AI in Mental Health Care
Many people don’t realize that artificial intelligence was already playing a role in mental health care long before ChatGPT made chatbots popular. AI was being used in systems to schedule appointments, help you connect with customer service and offer predictive analytics to medical professionals.
Still, the rise of ChatGPT certainly created the space for mental health chatbots. Now, people can submit their symptoms and get an instant response — no more waiting for an appointment to speak to a professional.
And it’s not just ChatGPT. Some institutions have created their own mental health chatbots as well. You can now sign into some mental health websites or mobile apps and be greeted with a mental health chatbot that will provide immediate answers, support and suggestions.
Benefits of Using Mental Health Chatbots for Support
Some of the advantages of using a mental health chatbot are:
- 24-7 and immediate support. If you’re spiraling about your symptoms or can’t connect with a counselor for a few days, a mental health chatbot can give you some quick answers.
- No geographic limitations. People can get help even if they live in rural areas where it’s hard to connect with mental health professionals.
- Reduced barriers to entry. Some people still feel uncomfortable with the idea of seeking support. Speaking with a mental health chatbot can be an easier first step, eventually leading to human support.
- Safe space. Some people feel too scared to share their deepest, darkest thoughts with another person, even a therapist. A chatbot is incapable of judgment and therefore, may be easier to open up to immediately.
- Lowered costs. A chatbot can be free or significantly cheaper than connecting with a human mental health professional.
- Personalized support. Thanks to the advances in AI technology, chatbots can still give tailored support. They can learn about you and respond accordingly. You can also guide them in what you like and don’t like in terms of support.
- Therapeutic techniques. Chatbots can help guide patients through basic therapeutic techniques, such as breathing exercises, CBT exercises, mindfulness and more. Additionally, a chatbot can detect alarming symptoms and encourage patients to seek immediate emergency help.
There’s already evidence to show that mental health chatbots are making a positive impact. In 2023, a study was published that revealed that chatting with AI chatbots could help patients with depression reduce their symptoms by up to 64%. Another study found that AI chatbots could predict when someone was going to attempt suicide within the next week with a 92% accuracy rate.
Limitations and Ethical Concerns of AI Therapy
So, is AI therapy the answer for everything? Well, not exactly. The fact of the matter is that artificial intelligence works best when there’s still human intervention and monitoring. We’re not at a point, nor may we ever be, where a mental health chatbot can offer the same support and guidance as a human mental health professional.
Here are the limitations of exclusively using a mental health chatbot:
- Lack of human connection. An AI chatbot can’t have the same depth of emotional understanding, empathy and concern that another human can provide. While confiding in a human can feel relieving, getting that comfort from artificial intelligence may be challenging.
- Mistakes. No system is perfect, including artificial intelligence. AI creates its responses based on the information put into the system. If incorrect information is inputted, the response can be inaccurate or inappropriate. When it comes to mental health, this can be most concerning because an AI chatbot can provide the wrong diagnosis or incorrect advice that can have serious consequences for a person’s well-being.
- Privacy concerns. One concern about artificial intelligence is that data may not be protected and may be used inappropriately in the future. If there were a data leak, your personal mental health details could be shared with unknown entities.
- Ethical concerns. AI is susceptible to algorithm bias, which can trigger problematic responses. For example, health predictive systems have been shown to be less accurate for Black patients than for white patients. This would mean not all patients would receive the same effective treatment from a mental health chatbot.
- Difficulty with complex situations. A person’s mental health isn’t always easy to diagnose and treat. This is especially true for people who are dealing with co-occurring conditions, addiction, repressed memories and trauma. These are often complicated, sensitive situations that require the critical thinking and judgment of a mental health professional.
- Limited treatment options. Some forms of therapy can only be carried out in person. Speaking exclusively to an AI chatbot will limit the types of therapies available to you.
- Dehumanization of health care. A lot of mental health treatment resides in the patient and counselor developing a bond and feeling of trust. Introducing chatbots removes this element and dehumanizes health care.
- Lack of regulation and oversight. Mental health chatbots are still very new, and government regulation and oversight haven’t been introduced yet. This means you’re not fully protected and there could be harmful consequences.
When to Seek Professional Human Support
There’s undoubtedly a place for mental health chatbots in your treatment plan. A chatbot can be a good starting point if you’re curious about your possible diagnosis or worried about seeing a therapist. It can also be a good ear when you’re having an emergency and your counselor isn’t immediately available.
But a mental health chatbot shouldn’t be your entire treatment plan. Speaking with a human therapist is critical to getting a confirmed diagnosis, understanding your triggers and learning coping techniques.
You should prioritize speaking to a human mental health professional immediately if:
- The support from the chatbot is starting to feel inadequate.
- You’re ready to take your therapy to the next level.
- You have complex mental health needs.
- You feel your symptoms worsening.
- You’re experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Technology is revolutionizing mental health treatment. However, mental health chatbots should be viewed as an optional complement to proper treatment from human professionals.
Restore Mental Health
If you’re ready for deep connection therapy that can improve your mental state, you’ve come to the right place. Restore Mental Health’s compassionate, experienced counselors will help you achieve a better tomorrow. It all starts with our comprehensive mental health treatment programs. Contact us today to learn more.
