I went online, opened ChatGPT, and posed a question: “Are you effective as a therapist?” In seconds I received this reply: “I’m not a licensed therapist, so I can’t replace the work of a trained mental health professional. That said, I can be a helpful supplement for: talking things through when you’re feeling overwhelmed; exploring your thoughts or emotions with guided questions; offering cognitive or behavioral strategies (like CBT tools); recommending resources like books, apps, or hotlines. But I don’t have the ability to pick up on nonverbal cues, respond to crises in real time, or provide a clinical diagnosis or treatment plan. If you’re dealing with something serious—like depression, trauma, anxiety, or relationship issues—it’s best to connect with a human therapist.”
If you are presently a client in psychological counseling, do you think your therapist could be replaced by AI on ChatGpt? Many people seem to think so, especially in the middle of the night. Jennifer Torres, writing in Florida Today (8/18/2025), says, “AI-powered chatbots are rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing tools for mental health support in the U.S., offering round-the-clock conversation and coping skills.”
Imagine tossing around in bed at 2AM with a throbbing toothache and moaning, “Why don’t dentists offer service in the middle of the night?” Now substitute panic attack for toothache and therapist for dentist. AI is telling you, “I’m always here and I can at least get you through the night.” When you keep the platform within the boundary conditions it specifies for you—” I don’t have the ability to pick up on nonverbal cues [or] respond to crises in real time…[but I can listen] when you’re feeling overwhelmed,”—it’s not surprisingto learn that their use is growing. Put another way, AI is not intended—yet—to replace human therapists, but supplement them. And that’s important to remember because research has shown that the personality and behavioral style of the therapist can be crucial for therapy success. Specifically,
three therapist characteristics are highly related to positive outcomes in therapy: Warmth, Genuineness, and Empathy. Clients respond best to therapists who show these qualities.
The therapeutic relationship is like no other. Many clients admit they continue to see their therapist because they have no other person in their life with whom they can feel comfortable and trusting enough to be open about their problems. Some clients see their therapist once a month for a long period of time, until they develop the kind of relationship with one or more constructive confidants who can substitute for the therapeutic one. Maybe someday that substitute will be AI.
Psychology and Stress 