Technology that interacts with humans, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), is developing at an accelerating rate, causing many people to wonder – or worry – that it may replace many jobs currently held by humans. What could happen to the economy when robots and AI replace human workers? This is a very real concern, and it may be surprisingly near. But can AI replace a good therapist? Can a computer program provide effective counseling? I don’t think so.
We are each so very different. Our life experiences, current environment, and personalities are so complex that there could be a seemingly infinite combination of inputs that have created your personality, your set of needs, your strengths, and your weaknesses. No machine is as complex as the human brain or the human soul. It takes another human being to understand, provide compassion, and help someone heal and blossom.
What technology can do
Technology is undoubtedly helpful in some ways. Individuals can find AI services, apps, or online resources that can help them in their first steps of emotional healing or stress reduction. Just as some people find significant relief from mild-to-moderate symptoms through the help of a support group, either in person or online, some people may find helpful suggestions or life-hacks that give them exactly what they need to improve their issues through AI. I encourage people to look into some phone apps or AI-driven services that help in areas such as:
- Mindfulness
- Sleep improvement
- Stress relief
- Positive thinking
- Meditation or relaxation
- Lifestyle changes (better eating habits, quitting smoking, etc.)
Some of these apps and services use AI to fine-tune your experience, customizing the app to your particular needs. These can be very helpful, alone or as a support to traditional therapy. But while there are also apps that attempt to provide depression help and talk therapy, I strongly urge people with serious problems not to depend on these apps for relief. You need an experienced therapist to help with more serious mental health concerns, trauma, or long-term struggles.
What technology can’t do
AI cannot pick up on the nuances of your unique situation that a sensitive, experienced therapist can. An app can’t provide the empathy and compassion that you need when addressing deep-seated issues. Technology can’t provide the human interaction that we have evolved to need in order to thrive. In fact, many therapists and counselors, including myself, have dealt with an increasing number of clients whose modest mental or emotional health issues have become amplified into much more serious conditions due to the isolating effect of the internet, smartphones, and social media.
Science is only just beginning to research the effects that cell-phone use and the internet have had on our mental health, as well as on our physical health and the cognitive health of young people. Both the online content and the hardware itself, along with the energy that it puts out, are being implicated in sudden declines in our mental and physical health, especially in the young. These are very serious concerns.
Additionally, some concerns have been raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other government officials regarding the privacy of health information and compliance with HIPAA laws. Even if your health data is not shared, there is the added concern that your contact information could be.
These are just a few of the concerns that I have about AI therapy apps and other online therapy options. Some of my clients utilize apps to help them apply lifestyle changes that we discuss in therapy – for instance, using a positive thinking app or a gratitude app. I am personally thankful that such tools exist to help my patients apply what we have discussed in therapy, thus speeding their recovery. But I cannot recommend replacing a good therapist with an app. I am very concerned that people who are in great need of counseling will go too long without the help they need, worsening their condition.
If you feel you need help addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues or other emotional or mental health concerns, please find a good counselor near you who is an expert in the issues that you are experiencing. If you’re in the New York City area, please reach out to see how I can help you.