S16E2 - Therapy From AI

AI therapy studies show promise for mild/moderate anxiety and depression, with chatbots like Therabot reducing symptoms in trials, offering accessible, stigma-free support, and aiding human therapists with documentation; however, concerns remain about long-term efficacy, potential biases, lack of human insight (like body language), and safety, suggesting AI currently excels as a support tool, not a full replacement for human care, often benefiting from hybrid models. 

How AI Therapy Works

Chatbots: AI-powered apps (like Woebot, Wysa) use large language models (LLMs) for conversations, providing CBT, mindfulness, and other techniques.

Virtual Reality (VR): AI avatars in VR environments simulate therapy sessions, shown to be effective for addiction treatment.

Clinician Support: AI assists therapists with intake, notes, tracking, and homework, streamlining practice. 

Limitations & Challenges

Long-Term Efficacy: Initial benefits may fade; AI struggles with the complex, evolving nature of long-term mental health needs.

Depth of Understanding: Lacks human insight, emotional nuance, and ability to read body language, leading to potentially superficial support.

Safety & Bias: Research highlights risks of dangerous responses and embedded biases, requiring careful development.

Not a Replacement: AI is a tool to support, not fully replace, human therapists, especially for severe conditions. 

This week we would like to highlight APA if you would like to learn more or donate click the link below https://www.apaservices.org/practice/business/technology/artificial-intelligence-chatbots-therapists

Please leave a comment and review our episode and give some feedback on what we can improve on!

Thank You All For Listening and Downloading