Artificial intelligence in psychotherapy: a new frontier or a threat to humanity?

Psychotherapy, for a long time considered exclusively the sphere of human interaction, is transforming today under the influence of the rapid development of AI. Chatbots, self-help apps, and remote counselling platforms based on machine learning algorithms are slowly entering our lives, promising new opportunities in mental health. But how useful are these innovations, and what risks do they carry?

Accessibility and personalization: The benefits of AI in psychotherapy

One of the main benefits of AI in psychotherapy is accessibility. Conventional therapy is often limited by geographic barriers, high cost, and lack of skilled professionals. AI tools, by contrast, can provide 24/7 support tailored to a user's individual needs at a significantly lower cost, and in some cases at no cost.

Apps using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown effectiveness in combating depression and anxiety disorders by offering structured programs and personalized tasks. For example, Woebot Health provides a CBT-based chatbot that helps users deal with negative thoughts and emotions. Users interact with Woebot via text messages, receiving real-time support and recommendations.

Another example is Wysa, which offers an AI assistant for support in everyday life. The app provides more than 200 digital self-help tools, including mindfulness exercises, breathing practices, and relaxation techniques. Wysa also offers the ability to communicate with qualified professionals for additional support.

Specialist support: AI as an assistant, not a replacement

AI can help psychotherapists in their work. Algorithms are able to analyze large amounts of data, identifying patterns in patient behavior that may be overlooked by humans. This allows specialists to more accurately diagnose problems, develop personalized treatment plans, and track progress. In addition, AI can automate routine tasks such as record-keeping and reporting, freeing up time for deeper patient interactions.

Spring Health uses AI to personalize psychotherapeutic care. Their platform analyzes patient data to find the most appropriate treatments and specialists. This helps to reduce waiting times and increase the effectiveness of therapy.

Empathy as a non-programmable quantity

But for all the efficiency of algorithms, the key question remains: can AI replace human understanding and empathy? Psychotherapy is not just the application of techniques, but the process of establishing a deep, trusting connection between two people.

AI can recognize the tone of speech, choose the right exercise, but it does not "feel" pain, doubt, or guilt. It doesn't interpret silence, it doesn't pick up semitones, it doesn't make a genuine connection. As psychotherapist Laurie Gottlieb said, "a person's presence and attention is something that heals, not an algorithm".

Philosophically, the question here is: can psychotherapy without a person be truly therapy, or does it become only an improved form of self-help?

Risks: privacy, addiction, and the illusion of help

AI in psychotherapy is associated with several dangers:

1. Copyright/IP Policy. Psychotherapeutic sessions contain sensitive information, and leaks or breaches of systems can be devastating. For example, in 2023, there was a large-scale scandal with data leakage from the BetterHelp application - more than 7 million users were at risk.
2. Dependence on technology. If a person begins to rely solely on a chatbot, this can weaken their motivation to develop communication skills, self-reflection, and real interaction. "Pattern psychotherapy" appears, where depth is replaced by speed.
3. Security illusion. Some users may perceive AI as a complete replacement for a therapist without realizing the limitations of the technology. But AI has no right to diagnose, it is not responsible - it can be dangerous in crises.

The future of psychotherapy

The future of psychotherapy likely lies in a symbiosis of human experience and artificial intelligence capabilities. AI will be used to increase access to care and make treatments more effective, while maintaining the centrality of the human therapist and their capacity for empathy and understanding.

It is important to develop ethical standards and regulations for the use of AI in psychotherapy to ensure the safety and effectiveness of such tools. More research also needs to be done to assess the long-term effects of AI use in mental health.

Ultimately, artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool in the psychotherapy arsenal, but it should not replace the human interaction that underpins effective treatment.