Embracing AI in Psychotherapy: A Guide for Your Mental Health Journey

Carol Calkins, LCSW
Oct 28
3 min read

Updated: Nov 30

If you have ever chatted with a mental health app or asked a chatbot for advice late at night, you are definitely not alone. Artificial intelligence tools are showing up everywhere, including in mental health support. Here’s a recent article from Forbes that discusses some of the potential issues.

These tools can be helpful when you want quick tips or someone to “listen.” But they are not therapy, and they are not human.

That is why more therapists, including me, are having open conversations about how technology fits into the healing process.

Why Talk About AI in Therapy?

Because you may already be using it. Maybe it is a mood-tracking app. Perhaps a chatbot helped you rewrite a text or calm down during a stressful moment. These tools can be supportive, but they also have limits:

They do not truly know you.
They can misunderstand tone or context.
They cannot notice subtle emotional shifts.
They cannot respond to a crisis with real human care.
Finally, they may not fully protect your data, which human therapists must do by law.

Therapy is more than information exchange. It is a relationship built on trust, connection, and understanding. No app can replace that.

What This Means in Our Work Together

Here is how I approach technology in therapy:

If you use AI or apps for mental health, we will talk about how they are working for you.
We will look at whether they support or get in the way of your goals.
I will always be clear about any technology I use in my practice.
The relationship between us remains the heart of your care.

Think of AI tools as a quick snack. They can be helpful, but they do not offer the nourishment your mind and emotions truly need.

Curiosity Over Judgment

If you have tried an AI tool and thought something like, “It helped, but something felt off,” that is worth exploring together. We might ask:

What felt helpful?
What felt missing?
Did you feel understood?
In the end, did you feel more supported or more alone?

There are no right answers. Only what helps you feel grounded and connected.

The Bottom Line

Technology can be a useful companion. But therapy is human on purpose. A bot can offer advice, but it cannot sit with you in sadness, celebrate your growth, or help you rewrite a personal story you have carried for years.

That is the work we do together with presence, warmth, and genuine care. If you have questions about how technology fits into your mental health journey, let’s talk about it. I am here to help you explore it with clarity and support.

Understanding the Role of Technology in Mental Health

The Benefits of AI Tools

AI tools can provide immediate support. They can help you track your mood or offer coping strategies during tough times. These tools can be a great starting point. They can guide you when you feel overwhelmed. However, it is essential to remember that they are not a substitute for professional help.

The Limitations of AI in Therapy

While AI can assist, it has limitations. It lacks the ability to empathize fully. It cannot understand your unique experiences. This is where the human touch in therapy becomes invaluable. A therapist can provide insights and support that technology simply cannot replicate.

Finding Balance

It is crucial to find a balance between using AI tools and seeking human support. You can use these tools as a supplement to therapy. They can enhance your self-awareness and help you articulate your feelings. But always remember, the core of healing lies in human connection.

Embracing Change Together

Change can be daunting. As we navigate the integration of technology into therapy, I want you to feel supported. Together, we can explore how these tools affect your mental health. We can discuss what works for you and what does not.

Your Journey Matters

Your journey is unique. I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we can transform emotional pain into lasting connection and clarity. Let’s embrace the changes that technology brings while honoring the human elements of therapy.