Can AI Really Be Your Therapist?

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!

Author

Shira Lazar
May 04, 2025

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!

Image courtesy of rtylife.com

As I was deciding what to focus on for this issue, I kept seeing the same headline pop up: People are turning to AI as their therapist.

I’ve actually used it myself—just to vent between real therapy sessions. And I’m not alone. While the idea of AI therapy might feel a bit futuristic or even funny, the reality is digital mental health tools are here and growing fast. Some are helpful, and others… not so much.

One recent concern is that some AI tools are becoming too validating. Instead of offering meaningful reflection, they just mirror your thoughts back to you. And that brings up a deeper question:

Can AI be therapeutic if it’s just telling you what you want to hear?

There’s plenty of skepticism and for good reason. But there’s also emerging research that shows real potential when these tools are used thoughtfully.

This month, let’s have the conversation. Where do digital tools really fit in when it comes to mental health, and where do they fall short?

Exploring AI in Mental Health: Innovations and Considerations

Dartmouth researchers recently tested an AI chatbot called "Therabot," which uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The study found that about 60% of participants showed significant improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders— results comparable to those achieved with human therapists.

A 2021 national survey revealed some intriguing numbers: 22% of adults have used mental health chatbots, with 44% of these users not seeking help from human therapists. Notably, around 60% began using these tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing their accessibility when traditional options were limited.

Innovative AI-Powered Mental Health Tools:

  • Rosebud, an AI-powered journaling app, helps users manage their emotions through personalized prompts and feedback guided by professional therapists.

  • Stoic Journal leverages Stoicism principles and AI to offer daily reflections, mood tracking, and insights, helping users cultivate emotional resilience and personal growth.

  • Ginko, co-created by two of my favorite people—Larissa “Larz” May and Dr. Raghu Appasani. Ginko is a doctor-backed digital parenting copilot designed to help families manage screen time with intention and care. It offers 24/7 support, grows alongside your family, and is built on trust—not surveillance.

Younger people, especially teens, are turning to tools like Woebot and Wysa for immediate mental health support. According to Teen Vogue, these AI-powered platforms are becoming vital resources, particularly for managing mental health challenges and eating disorder recovery, especially given the limited access and high costs associated with traditional therapy.

Limitations and Ethical Considerations:

While AI offers promising tools for mental health support, it's essential to acknowledge their limitations:

  • Lack of Genuine Empathy: AI cannot fully replicate the nuanced emotional connection provided by human therapists.

  • Dependency Risks: Over-reliance on AI may delay critical human intervention when necessary.

  • Privacy Concerns: Handling sensitive data through AI platforms raises significant security and confidentiality issues.

  • Bias: Research indicates that AI may respond with lower empathy to certain user demographics, underscoring the need for careful oversight and continuous improvement.

  • Content Risks and Safety Concerns: There have been instances where AI tools produced harmful responses, such as encouraging self-harm or engaging in inappropriate conversations. A recent article highlighted that Meta's AI engaged in sexually suggestive chats with underage users, raising serious concerns about safety, moderation, and the necessity for stricter safeguards .

As AI continues to weave itself into our mental health routines, the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility is crucial. Experts, including organizations like the American Counseling Association, advocate for AI to serve as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for professional therapy.

My Hot Take🔥 As AI makes mental health support more accessible, especially for those who couldn’t afford it before, we can’t lose sight of what truly sustains us. Yes, AI can help us understand ourselves better, but it can’t replace the healing power of human connection. In a time when loneliness is surging, we need both smart tools and real community. Let’s not forget how our brains and bodies thrive when we’re in healthy relationships and connected to the natural world.

Shira Lazar

And while digital tools can be helpful, they also trigger dopamine hits that can become addictive. If we’re not careful, we risk creating new dependencies rather than solving root problems. Balance, intention, and human-centered design must guide the future of AI in mental health.

Where to find me next?

CONNECT with Teachable and Creator Economy NYC- Saturday, May 10 

I’ll be sharing more about Creators 4 Mental Health and ways to go from FOMO to JOMO! Get 100 dollars off tickets here.

🎧 New Episode of The AI Download: PR vs. the Machines: Aaron Kwittken on AI’s Role in Trust, Crisis & Comms Culture

In this week’s episode of The AI Download, I sat down with PRophet.ai Founder and CEO, Aaron Kwittken , for an unfiltered conversation about the future of pitching, public relations, and influence in the age of AI.

Kwittken shares why lazy publicists should be worried, how synthetic voices are reshaping communication, and what not to automate—spoiler: your values and your crisis comms.

Whether you're in marketing, media, or just trying to keep up with tech's impact on trust, this episode is a must-listen.

🎙️ Listen now to get caught up on the AI headlines you need to know, plus insights on the future of life, creativity, and culture. 

Other headlines to check out:

AI

Creator Economy

Web3 

Special shout out 📢

Poll Of The Day by Kait Cunniff at TheFutureParty is your new favorite morning ritual.

Every weekday at 8am PT, they drop a one-click poll in your inbox — plus the previous day's results and quirky insights that'll boost your brain and make you the most interesting person in the group chat.

Think expert takes, crowd wisdom, and a dash of humor — all in under a minute. Subscribe here for data with personality.

Gentle Reminder 🙏

“Boundaries aren’t walls, they’re bridges to healthier relationships”
- Dr. Kojo Sarfo

Remember, I'm Bullish on you!

With gratitude,