Local therapists discuss artificial intelligence in mental health
Local therapists discuss artificial intelligence in mental health
Publish Date: 2026-03-14 19:54:00
Source Domain: www.wgem.com
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Rising Use of AI in Mental Health: A study by JAMA Network reveals that a significant portion of adolescents and young adults in the U.S. are using generative AI for mental health advice, with rates being higher among individuals aged 18 to 21.
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AI Supplement Over Replacement: AI-driven tools like Therapod are designed to complement traditional in-person therapy rather than replace it, offering features such as guided meditations and breathing exercises.
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Concerns Among Therapists: Vogel and Rains-Eaton highlight the importance of human connection and express caution around the potential for AI to supplant human therapists due to the complexities of mental health work.
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Supplementing Human Connection: Both counselors believe AI can be beneficial if it aids in supplementing and not replacing the work of mental health professionals, especially in addressing the current provider shortage.
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Balancing AI and Therapy: Therapists stress the significance of preserving the personal, empathetic, and relational aspects of therapy that AI might lack, despite acknowledging potential benefits in bridging gaps in access to therapy.
