Artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT have made it easy to anonymously tell a non-human how you are feeling and get a response. However, researchers and mental health professionals caution that as more people rely on technology and become comfortable with different types of virtual mental health services, they are missing the human touch of mental health care.
While the responses from AI programs aren’t bad, they cannot replace therapists or psychologists. Digital mental health technology has been around since the mid-1960s, but the shortage of mental health providers, especially those who accept health insurance, is a problem in the US and Texas. In fact, Texas ranked last in access to care according to a nonprofit Mental Health America’s 2023 survey.
Online programs or apps could be useful in conjunction with therapy, but AI programs cannot make a person engage in therapy. While AI programs like ChatGPT are designed to mimic a person talking back to you, giving you that false sense that you’ve connected with someone meaningful, they cannot empathize. Most people would prefer human contact.
The biggest challenge with technology is ensuring the sharing of a person’s personal information, and how that information is shared. Dell Medical School has launched a mental health line for pediatricians to get care for patients, and Austin Public Health and Integral Care, along with the City of Austin and Travis County, launched a new resource program: Ask, Listen, Talk, Repeat,” that provides parents and caregivers resources about mental health.
It is important to remember that AI programs like ChatGPT are only tools and they won’t replace a human therapist. Mental health can be challenging, and speak to a professional who can provide personalized support and treatment is important.
