Is AI safe for mental health support?
Benefits, risks, and how to use it responsibly
Many people turn to Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like Chat GPT or Gemini to get quick support for their mental health, especially when it’s hard to access traditional services.
While these tools can be helpful in some ways, they aren’t ready to replace real mental health support.
What are the limitations of AI in mental health care?
AI is not a substitute for professional mental health care. It can’t diagnose, treat or understand your personal situation like a qualified mental health professional can.
Even though it might seem like it can, AI tools don’t have empathy or clinical judgment. They also can’t respond in a meaningful way, especially when someone is feeling very distressed or in crisis.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or distressed, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted support service.
How do AI chatbots work?
Generative AI tools are designed to keep you using them. So, they tend to agree with what you suggest or confirm your perspective or view on an issue. You can challenge this bias with careful prompting to see things from a different angle or notice blind spots in your thinking.
AI can be wrong. AI can contain biases from the information sources it's drawing on. AI tools can sometimes make things up, including research or sources that don’t exist. For important topics, it’s a good idea to double check what AI tells you by using trusted and credible sources.
Using AI tools can affect how you feel. Some people may feel misunderstood or frustrated when the responses don’t meet their needs. Others might start relying too much on these tools, which can impact their wellbeing. Young people especially, whose brains are still developing, may not yet be ready to engage with AI in this way.
AI can be a helpful companion between visits to a healthcare provider, but it should be used as a support, not as a replacement for human connection and professional mental health care.
How can AI help with mental health? Examples and uses
AI may assist with supporting daily habits by offering motivational prompts, helping you understand mental health topics or clinical terms. It may also help by offering suggestions for self-reflection practice such as journalling.
Can AI support journalling and self-reflection?
Some AI chatbots can follow your line of thinking and ask questions based on what you’ve said. Think of them as tools for structured reflection but remember, they don’t understand emotions or context.
Can AI explain mental health terms simply?
AI can summarise mental health topics in simple language and help you understand complex terms, like “dissociation”. Always check information given by AI tools against trusted sources.
Can AI help build healthy habits and routines?
AI can give you reminders and motivation for self-care routines. It can prompt you to take breaks, practice meditation, go for a walk, or reflect on your day. These nudges can help you reinforce positive routines or stay on track with your wellbeing goals.
What are the privacy risks of using AI for mental health?
AI tools (especially free ones) will collect and retain your data and use it to further train the AI. Before signing up to any AI platform, make sure you understand the organisation’s privacy policy.
AI tools are designed to be engaging, but they are not governed by clinical standards or ethical codes.
Tips for using AI tools safely for mental health
- Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information, especially health-related details.
- Use anonymous modes where possible, such as guest accounts or temporary email addresses.
- Check the privacy policy of any platform before signing up. Many free AI tools collect and retain data to improve their models.
- Be critical of responses. AI can sound confident even when it’s wrong. Always verify advice with credible, evidence-based sources.
When should you seek professional help instead of AI?
If using an AI tool leaves you feeling worse, distressed, or you feel like it’s harming you, stop using it and seek support from a qualified mental health professional. You can also report your experience to the platform provider and talk to a trusted support service about your concerns.
If you notice you’re turning to AI more often than to friends, family, or professionals, it might be a good time to pause and reassess. Connecting with others is very important for your wellbeing. AI cannot replace the empathy, understanding, and support that come from real-life relationships and professional care.
What types of AI tools are used in mental health?
It’s important to know the difference between general AI tools made for broad public use and AI tools designed for mental health support. AI tools made for mental health may include clinical or therapeutic oversight.
The risks of using AI for mental health can vary. It depends on whether a mental health professional was involved in how the tool was developed or reviewed.
What to keep in mind: AI as a complement, not a replacement for care
AI can be a helpful tool for learning, reflection, and motivation. But it’s not a mental health professional. It doesn’t understand you the way a human does. Use it to support your mental health journey, not to replace the care and connection you get from others.
If you’re unsure about something AI tells you, or if you’re feeling distressed, please speak to a mental health professional.
