Let’s get something straight: AI isn’t your therapist. It might feel like one, it might even sound like one, but it’s not. And relying on it to be your emotional support system can be dangerous.
Why?
Machines Don’t Do Empathy
AI doesn’t actually feel anything. That might sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re chatting with something that responds quickly and always has a neat little answer. But there’s a big difference between hearing words and feeling heard. A real therapist – a trained clinical psychologist – does more than just give advice. They listen. Deeply. They notice things in your body language, your tone, even the way you pause mid-sentence. They pick up on patterns, make connections, and respond not just with facts, but with care, context, and actual human emotion.
An algorithm can’t do that. It doesn’t know what it means when someone sits on the edge of the couch, arms folded tight, eyes darting to the floor. A human therapist does.
Therapy Is More Than Just Talking
One of the biggest myths people believe is that therapy is just about “venting.” Like it’s a glorified diary. But real therapy – the kind that leads to real change – is structured, guided, and based on years of research, experience, and clinical judgment. Therapists are trained to navigate the messy stuff. Trauma. Anxiety. Depression. Grief. Addiction. Relationship breakdowns. The things that can’t be solved by a motivational quote or a generic breathing exercise.
AI might offer a script, but it won’t challenge you when you need to be challenged. It won’t gently redirect you when you’re going in circles. It won’t sit with you in uncomfortable silence until the truth shows up. That’s human work.
There’s a Risk You Might Not See
Now here’s where it gets risky. If someone is struggling – and I mean really struggling – AI might give them the illusion that they’re getting support, but it won’t notice red flags. It won’t pick up on things like suicidal ideation and it won’t recognize signs of abuse. It won’t know when someone is dissociating mid-conversation, but a good psychologist will. Because they’ve been trained to.
And if you’re using AI when you actually need real help, you could be delaying – or worse, replacing the support that could save your life.
What Patients Actually Want – And Why They Keep Coming Back
As a practice of psychologists, we’ve worked with hundreds of patients over the years. And the thing we hear most often isn’t, “Thanks for fixing me.” It’s, “Thanks for seeing me.” Really seeing them – as a full person.
People come back because they feel safe and because therapy gives them something no app ever will: a human relationship built on trust, confidentiality, and real connection. When people feel safe, they heal. Slowly, yes and sometimes painfully.
Having Said That – AI Isn’t Useless
AI can be useful; it just shouldn’t be used as your therapist.
Used alongside real therapy, AI tools can help you practice mindfulness, track your mood, remind you to take meds, and guide you through breathing exercises. These can be great supplements alongside therapy.
So, how can you actually use AI in a healthy way?
Journaling apps that track your thoughts over time.
Mood trackers that give you patterns your therapist can help interpret.
Breathing and meditation guides to ground you between sessions.
Reminders to reinforce habits and routines you’ve set in therapy.
Mental health is personal and so requires the sensitivity of a therapist.
So, if you’ve been scrolling late at night, typing into a bot because it feels easier than talking to someone – we do understand. But don’t forget, you deserve a space that’s yours and a therapist who knows your name and who walks with you through it all.
Real therapy is still the gold standard because it works.
So, if you’re thinking about getting support, try talking to a human. We’re still the best ones for the job.
*All conversations with our team are strictly confidential.
PVD Psychological Associates specialize in college mental health, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, and relationship difficulties.
We also see clients for a range of other issues.
If you would like to discuss your needs with a therapist, complete the enquiry form on our Contact page and we’ll call or email you for a confidential chat.
