AI mental health support can be quick and convenient to access. An Austin-area (human) therapist supports it – but encourages caution.
Description
Some people who have trouble finding a therapist who takes their insurance, or who may feel intimated or judged in a therapeutic relationship, might sometimes turn to artificial intelligence for mental health assistance. These AI chatbots are referred to by some as “mental health companions.” And there is some debate about their role in the mental health care landscape. KUT’s Jennifer Stayton talked about this recently over Zoom with Central Texas neuropsychotherapist Bella J. Rockman MA, LPC, LCDC-i. You might think a real-life, human therapist would oppose AI alternatives. She does not, but she does caution people to use that modality with eyes wide open.
A note to listeners – this discussion does briefly mention suicide.
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