More and more people are turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT-4, Claude, and Gemini for mental health support instead of seeing human therapists. According to NewAtlas, this trend is growing quickly, especially in the United States and Silicon Valley. These digital helpers offer immediate support at potentially lower costs than traditional therapy.
Why People Choose AI for Mental Health Help
Traditional therapy comes with several challenges that make AI appealing. Human therapy is often expensive, with sessions costing hundreds of dollars that many people can’t afford. Getting an appointment can mean waiting weeks or even months. For people who think differently (neurodivergent individuals – those whose brains process information in ways that differ from what’s considered “typical”), traditional therapy settings can be uncomfortable or difficult to navigate.
Many people also like that AI chatbots offer complete privacy. You can share your thoughts without worrying about being judged or having someone recognize you. As Matt Ivey, who developed a Neurodivergent AI Assistant, points out, these tools can help people who might otherwise avoid seeking help altogether.
- 24/7 availability – talk to AI any time you need support
- No waiting lists – get help immediately
- Lower cost – potentially more affordable than human therapists
- Complete privacy – share thoughts without fear of judgment
Also Read: Studies of 4M ChatGPT chats reveal personal AI talks link to loneliness; heavy users may form emotional ties but risk less real human connection. Read Here.
How AI Chatbots Work as Therapists
Most AI therapy chatbots use something called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – a type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors. These AI tools are trained to have helpful conversations that guide users through several techniques:
- Cognitive restructuring – helping you notice and change unhelpful thoughts. Think of it like having a friend point out when you’re being too hard on yourself.
- Identifying negative patterns – spotting when you repeatedly think in ways that hurt your mental health.
- Socratic questioning – asking thoughtful questions that help you see situations more clearly, like “What evidence supports this thought?” This helps challenge cognitive distortions – inaccurate thoughts that reinforce negative thinking.
- Psychoeducation – teaching you about how your mind works and why you feel certain ways.
- Behavioral activation – suggesting activities that might improve your mood, like taking a walk or calling a friend.
- Exposure therapy exercises – gradually helping you face fears in a safe way.
AI chatbots use natural language processing – technology that helps computers understand human language – to provide responses that feel personal and caring. Apps like Woebot and Therabot are designed to have conversations that feel similar to talking with a real therapist. They also have safety features that can spot concerning language if someone might be in danger.
Growing Popularity in the US
The use of AI for mental health support is booming, especially in tech-focused areas. In 2025, about 32% of Americans say they’re interested in trying AI therapy. This interest is particularly high in Silicon Valley, where new technology is often embraced early.
The numbers show just how popular these tools are becoming. In December 2024, over 27 million people used apps like Character.AI, spending an average of 90 minutes each day talking to these AI companions. Startups offering AI therapy in Silicon Valley have seen their user numbers grow by 116% in just one year. Big investment firms like Andreessen Horowitz are putting money into these companies, seeing their potential to help many people.
How Well Do AI Therapists Work?
Research shows that AI therapy can help, but it’s not as effective as seeing a human therapist. Here’s how different approaches compare:
- AI therapy using CBT reduces anxiety and depression symptoms by about 30-35%. Think of it like medicine that helps but doesn’t completely cure the problem.
- Traditional therapy with a human therapist using CBT reduces symptoms by 45-50%. This is more effective because human therapists can understand emotions and adjust their approach in ways AI currently cannot.
- Psychodynamic therapy – a different approach that explores how your past affects your present – reduces symptoms by 20-25% when done by humans. There isn’t enough data yet on AI versions of this approach.
AI therapy works best for people who respond well to CBT approaches. It’s like having a helpful guide book rather than a skilled guide – useful, but not able to adapt as fully to your specific situation.
Limitations and Concerns
Despite their benefits, AI chatbots have important limitations. Professor Jilly Newby from UNSW Sydney and Gail Kenning, a psychology researcher, caution that these tools cannot fully replace human therapists. They lack the emotional understanding and connection that comes from human interaction.
There are also concerns about how these AI tools might affect vulnerable people. Unlike human therapists who have years of training and supervision, AI systems might not always recognize when someone needs more intensive help.
Amanda Askell, a researcher at Anthropic (the company that makes Claude), explains that they’re working to make AI more empathetic and personalized, but acknowledges current limitations. It’s worth noting that the concept of AI companions isn’t entirely new – back in the 1960s, Joseph Weizenbaum created ELIZA, an early computer program that could simulate conversation, though much more simply than today’s AI.
Kevin Roose, a podcast host who has explored this topic, found that many people form emotional connections with these AI tools, which brings both benefits and potential risks.
Finding the Right Balance
Mental health professionals generally recommend using AI chatbots as a supplement to traditional therapy rather than a complete replacement. They can be especially helpful for:
- People waiting to see a human therapist
- Those who need support between therapy sessions
- Individuals who cannot access or afford traditional therapy
- People who feel uncomfortable talking to humans about their problems
As this technology continues to develop, it’s likely to become an increasingly important part of mental health support. While AI chatbots cannot provide the full depth of human connection that traditional therapy offers, they’re making mental health support more accessible to millions of people who might otherwise receive no help at all. The future may involve a blend of human and AI support, combining the strengths of both approaches to better serve people’s mental health needs.
