Embracing AI as a Companion to Therapy

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The reality is that free NHS mental health services are in high demand, and you may be facing financial constraints as well as other barriers when trying to find the right service provider or navigating your way through the vast number of private mental health care practitioners. 

In response, a significant number of people have started to explore AI-based tools as a substitute to human-to-human therapy or to bridge the gap between less frequent sessions. Studies have shown that the majority of those who have tried mental health chatbots or digital assistants report a positive experience, citing benefits like round-the-clock access, affordability, and the opportunity to engage in a judgement-free space.

If you’re curious about how AI could help you, here are some categories of free or low-cost tools available today:

CBT-Focused Chatbots: Applications using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help users challenge unhelpful thoughts, practise mindfulness, and receive personalised suggestions. Some offer crises support or the option to upgrade for access to a human therapist.

Skill-Building Apps: Programmes designed to teach coping strategies and mental health skills, often adapting their recommendations as you interact more with them.

Self-Guided Wellness Platforms: These combine mood tracking, journaling, and therapeutic exercises, providing a holistic self-help experience guided by AI.

Mood Tracking Apps: Tools allowing you to log your mood and symptoms regularly, sometimes suggesting self-care activities based on your entries.

Conversational AI Companions: Virtual friends who can chat with you daily, offering support for stress, low mood, anxiety, or overthinking, and often using CBT-based dialogue.

While AI has much to offer, it’s vital to be aware of its limitations and risks:

Lack of Human Understanding: AI cannot read nonverbal cues or provide the deep empathy, trust, and intuition that are central to our therapeutic relationship. AI is unable to feel emotions. Evidence shows that the efficacy of psychotherapy relies almost entirely on the therapeutic relationship and our shared emotional experience. 

Data Privacy: Not all tools are created equal. Some have come under scrutiny for sharing sensitive user data or lacking secure storage. Never share personal or sensitive information with an AI tool unless you are certain of its privacy policies and protections.

Unsafe or Inaccurate Advice: AI-generated suggestions can sometimes be misguided or even dangerous. AI can sometimes validate harmful beliefs or provide advice that is not appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Misleading Reassurance: Self-assessment via AI can lead to false reassurance or delay in seeking help, especially in crisis situations.

Ethical Concerns: Without oversight, some AI tools may reinforce unhealthy behaviours or be manipulated to give unsafe advice. 

AI can never replace the support and judgement of a trained mental health professional. Psychotherapy is based on humanity, and AI is not human. AI is best viewed as an adjunct or something to enhance, not substitute, for our work together.

Pairing AI with traditional therapy can offer several advantages:

24/7 Availability: AI tools are accessible whenever you need them, even outside our scheduled sessions or on weekends and holidays.

Affordability: Many AI-based mental health apps are free or low-cost, making support more accessible between sessions.

Discretion and Privacy: Digital tools can provide a private space to explore your feelings and practise new skills without the pressure of face-to-face interaction.

Skill Reinforcement: These apps can help you reinforce techniques learned in therapy, track your progress, and build positive habits.

Importantly, research suggests that clients feel more comfortable using AI when they know there is professional oversight. Think of AI as a supportive co-pilot that is helpful, but not a substitute for the human care we build together.

If you are interested in exploring these tools, I invite you to discuss your options with me. Together, we can identify reputable, secure apps that align with your goals and ensure that you use them safely. I am a qualified CBT practitioner and therefore I can help you interpret their feedback, integrate new skills into your daily life, and ensure that your mental health journey remains grounded in evidence-based care and genuine human connection. 

The future of mental health care is evolving, and AI can play a valuable part in expanding access and support. Let’s embrace new tools thoughtfully, combining the best of technology with the irreplaceable value of the therapeutic relationship we build with each other. I invite you to arrange an introductory session with me so we can explore how we can embrace AI together.