Will AI Replace Therapists?

As AI continues to influence mental health care, many individuals are turning to platforms like ChatGPT for therapy-like support. While AI offers convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, human therapists remain essential for providing the emotional depth, empathy, and uninterrupted connection that AI cannot replicate.

Innovation and Disruption

Throughout history, innovation has always disrupted established norms. The printing press shifted the oral storytelling, radio overtook written communication, and television made radio seem obsolete (“video killed the radio star”). On and on we could go. There are plenty of examples. Whenever innovation disrupts, there’s a natural concern about its impact on professions and culture as a whole. 

We are now in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and its influence is spreading across industries, including mental health care. Therapy, traditionally a deeply personal and human-centered profession, is now facing the integration of AI; a shift that brings new possibilities. For clarity, when we refer to “AI” in this article, we are specifically talking about current Large Language Models (LLMs), which are a type of AI trained on vast amounts of text data to generate human-like responses based on patterns and context within that data. ChaptGPT and Claude are likely the most common examples being used.  

AI offers unprecedented accessibility, affordability, and convenience, making mental health support more readily available than ever before. But as this technology continues to evolve, therapists must consider how their role can adapt. In this post, we’ll explore how the role of a therapist could evolve in the AI era, while focusing on how therapists can create a unique value that sets them apart from AI-driven tools. 

How are People Using AI for Therapy? 

Perhaps it is surprising, but one of the using AI for therapy/support is one of the biggest new use cases of AI in 2025. Many individuals are turning to platforms like ChatGPT to receive conversational support for their mental health needs. ChatGPT can provide a form of assistance by offering a space for individuals to express their thoughts, helping them organize their feelings, or even offering cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT) for managing anxiety or stress.

Below is an example of how a person might interact with ChatGPT in a therapeutic context. This was based off a simple prompt of “give me an example of using AI for therapeutic support/therapy”: 

User: I’ve been feeling really anxious lately. Can you help?

ChatGPT: Let’s explore your thoughts. What’s going through your mind when you feel anxious?

User: I worry that if I don’t do everything perfectly at work, I’ll disappoint my boss or cause everything to fall apart.

ChatGPT: It sounds like you’re thinking in extremes. What would happen if you made a mistake—would everything really fall apart?

User: Probably not. I’d get feedback and fix it. But I still feel like I need to be perfect to prove myself.

ChatGPT: That’s a great insight. Let’s reframe that thought: “Mistakes are normal and help me learn.” How does that feel?

User: That feels better. It’s hard to let go of the need for perfection, but I know it’s unrealistic.

ChatGPT: It’s tough, but reframing can help reduce anxiety. Would you be willing to test the idea by taking a small risk at work and seeing what happens?

User: I could try taking a small shortcut in a project today and see how it goes.

ChatGPT: Great plan! Keep track of how it goes, and let’s check back afterward. How do you feel now?

User: I feel less anxious. I think my fear of mistakes was exaggerated.

Not too bad, right? You can see how “rapport-building,” Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, and other standard therapeutic approaches are used here. Keep in mind that LLMs (Large Language Models) improve at providing more nuanced and specific suggestions the more an individual interacts with them. They “learn” from these engagements, meaning that over time, the suggestions could become even more effective. 

A common response might be, “Humans will always prefer human therapists.” However, even if that’s true, would the average person still choose a human therapist if the session costs more, requires fitting it into a busy schedule, or if the therapist is distracted by things outside the session? 

Even when we claim to prefer something, our actual behavior often doesn’t align with that preference—especially when the effort to obtain a service is significantly reduced.  

Accessibility and Convenience: A Lesson from Blockbuster vs. Netflix 

The rise of AI in therapy isn’t so different from how other industries have evolved over time. Take, for instance, the shift from Blockbuster to Netflix.  

If you’re of a certain age, you’ll probably be able to recall the borderline ecstasy of being a kid on a Friday night and going to get a pizza and rent some movies for the weekend.  

Blockbuster offered a communal, shared experience of browsing movies, but it couldn’t compete with Netflix’s accessibility, affordability, and convenience. While people certainly enjoyed the social aspect of going to the video store, the convenience of streaming movies at home—anytime, anywhere—eventually won. 

The rise of users seeking out AI for mental health care offers instant and accessible support, but it also raises a question: don’t people prefer a human therapist? 

Do People Prefer an AI Therapist Over a Human Therapist? 

A study published in PLOS Mental Health found that people often prefer AI therapy to traditional human therapists, with some participants reporting that they couldn’t tell the difference between AI-powered support and human interaction.  

These platforms, equipped with sophisticated algorithms, provide personalized, empathetic conversations, track emotional states, and offer tailored advice, mimicking much of what a human therapist does. 

This potential growing preference for AI support in therapy is partly due to its availability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. Unlike human therapists who may have limited availability, cost too much for a client, or long waiting lists, AI-powered platforms are accessible 24/7 and basically free.

This is making them an attractive option for people who need immediate help or are seeking consistent support between sessions. For many, the ability to access therapy whenever they want it, without facing common barriers like cost or availability, has made it a highly appealing option. 

If the trends continue and it becomes more normal for individuals to turn to AI for mental health support, the question remains: What does this mean for the future of human therapists? While AI may offer convenience and affordability, it’s clear that therapists need to consider how their role will evolve. In a world where people are comfortable using AI for therapy, how can therapists redefine their value proposition to offer something AI cannot? 

The Limitations of AI in Therapy: What Technology Can’t Provide 

As more people turn to AI for support, it’s important to acknowledge where technology still falls short in the realm of therapy. Despite the convenience and accessibility AI offers, many individuals are increasingly expressing feelings of loneliness and a deep desire for authentic human connection. 

This rise in feelings of loneliness makes sense when you consider the small, everyday human interactions that are slowly disappearing. Think about it: you barely need to go to the grocery store anymore, as everything can be delivered to your door. Even when you do go, you might not interact with anyone, thanks to self-checkout machines. And going to a restaurant? Why bother when you can have food delivered right to your home while you keep binge-watching your favorite shows? 

However, therapy remains one of the few spaces where genuine human connection is still fostered. While AI can provide helpful advice and suggestions, it can never truly replace the human element. At its core, therapy is about the bond between therapist and client—something that goes beyond providing solutions or following algorithms. While AI has its strengths, it cannot replicate the emotional depth or human interaction that is central to therapy. 

First, AI, despite offering valuable insights, is not human. This distinction might seem subtle, but the therapeutic experience is fundamentally different when it’s coming from a real person. Even the best AI advice can feel hollow when you realize it lacks the genuine emotional connection and personal understanding that a human can offer. 

Furthermore, humans have an inherent need for social connection. While a therapist is not meant to act as a friend, the emotional comfort we experience from forming a supportive, empathetic bond with another person is significant. Therapy provides a space where that bond can be cultivated in a way AI cannot replicate, no matter how well it simulates conversation. 

In today’s world, as innovation increasingly replaces human interactions, it’s becoming harder to find spaces for meaningful, undistracted human connection. Therapy offers a designated space where one can engage with another person without distractions—something that’s becoming rare in modern life. While it’s essential to seek out other spaces for organic human interaction, such as hobbies, social groups, or community organizations, therapy can provide an environment where human connection remains a core part of the experience. 

How Should Therapists Use AI? Enhancing the Human Experience 

AI will impact the therapy industry, but it doesn’t have to replace the human connection that makes therapy effective. Therapists can use AI to streamline administrative tasks, improve accessibility, and offer more consistent support, freeing up time to focus on building meaningful client relationships.

AI’s strength lies in handling repetitive tasks and offering personalized feedback between sessions, such as managing scheduling, tracking progress, and reducing paperwork. This allows therapists to prioritize emotional support and empathetic engagement, which are essential for effective therapy.

AI can also enhance therapy by providing personalized tools and resources for clients outside of sessions. For example, therapists can use AI to recommend exercises or mindfulness practices tailored to a client’s needs, helping them stay engaged and continue their progress.

Ultimately, therapists should embrace AI as a tool to meet the growing demand for convenience, while maintaining the personal touch that defines therapy. By automating logistical tasks, therapists can focus more on fostering deep, human connections with clients.

Written By: Marcus Shumate, LCMHC, LCAS