What you need to know about the AI wave in therapy

You’re no stranger to the overwhelming workload: paperwork, billing codes, appointment reminders, and session notes. It’s exhausting, leaving you little time for anything but collapsing after another long day. The tech industry promises solutions, and AI (artificial intelligence) is the latest buzzword. But how much of this hype is actually helpful? 

Why AI is gaining ground in therapy 

Statistics paint a stark picture: 32% of psychotherapists are burned out (APA’s 2024 Practitioner Pulse Survey), with 20-30% spending 10+ hours weekly on admin tasks (Private Practice Skills survey). AI isn’t a magic wand, but it can alleviate some of this burden. Modern AI tools are no longer clunky or gimmicky; they’re smart, accessible, and offer practical solutions to everyday challenges. 

Policymakers and healthcare leaders are also recognizing the benefits of AI in making therapy more efficient without compromising care quality. 

What AI can’t (and shouldn’t) do 

Let’s be clear: using AI does not mean you are training your replacement. It’s crucial to understand AI’s inherent limitations, particularly in a field as complex and nuanced as mental health care. 

For example, AI cannot make diagnoses. Your expertise in understanding human behavior, context, and individual experiences is irreplaceable. Nor can AI decide on treatment plans; it cannot know your client the way you do or grasp the subtle dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. AI is a helper, a supportive tool, never a decision-maker in clinical matters. 

AI also can’t make ethical judgments. While it might flag a billing discrepancy, it’s up to you to decide how to address it. It can’t “read the room” during a session or innovate when standard approaches fall short. And despite claims of “AI therapy bots,” these tools lack the capacity for genuine empathy—they’re mirrors, not minds. 

And going back to some concerns about training therapy chatbots, ethical AI practices are paramount. Reputable AI tools are designed to prioritize client privacy and follow strict regulations like HIPAA, ensuring client information remains secure. 

The bottom line? AI isn’t here to replace you. It’s an extra tool in your toolbox, nothing more. 

Dispelling the myths of AI 

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype or concern surrounding AI, so let’s separate fact from fiction. Despite its name, “artificial intelligence” isn’t truly “intelligent” in the human sense—at least not yet. While it excels at sifting through vast amounts of data, its reasoning capabilities are still quite limited.  

You might hear claims that “therapy bots” are outperforming trained professionals, or that by using AI, you’re inadvertently training models that will eventually replace you. The reality is quite different.  

AI is primarily taking over mundane, everyday tasks like managing emails and paperwork. Ethical AI systems are built to support your judgment, requiring your perspective and approval for any decisions. When it comes to clinical work, AI cannot conduct proper therapy. While some AI programs are accessible and adept at providing affirming responses, they lack the depth, empathy, and nuanced understanding that only a trained human therapist can offer. It’s good at telling people what they want to hear, because if people enjoy their interaction, they will use it more often. 

When you encounter companies making grand claims about their AI solutions, it’s wise to pause and ask yourself a few straightforward questions: Does this tool keep me in control of the process? How does it handle sensitive client information? And can I see clear evidence that it genuinely works as promised? Being informed and asking these questions ensures you remain in the driver’s seat as you explore new tools for your practice. 

Choosing AI solutions you can trust 

Not all AI is created equal. Look for platforms that prioritize transparency—you should know how your data’s used. Security is non-negotiable; HIPAA compliance is the baseline, not a bonus. And avoid tools that promise to “optimize” your clinical decisions. The best AI acts like a skilled assistant: it suggests, but you approve. 

Final thoughts 

You don’t need to rush into using AI. These tools are evolving, giving you time to learn and see how they can fit into your practice. Take your time to explore options and stay curious. AI can take on time-consuming chores so you can reclaim hours—and peace of mind—in your day. But it can’t replace your professional judgment, your warmth, or your clinical expertise. Above all, remember that you are the heart of therapy. AI is just a tool to help you do what you already do best.  

Not sure where to start? Check out our blog post: Getting Started: Best Uses for AI in Healthcare.