Is AI Good or Bad for Mental Health – A Therapist’s Perspective

Is AI good or bad for mental health – A Therapist’s Perspective

Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to becoming a bigger part of our daily lives. I’ve noticed more clients in therapy sessions asking about its use and sharing growing concerns about it’s impacts. Will it be good or bad for their mental health or their family members. So, I wanted to share a few simple thoughts on AI from a therapist’s perspective. (Related Article: Recommendations For Client Use And Caution Of Artificial Intelligence).

One helpful way to think about AI is to imagine it as an assistant—like an executive assistant, office assistant, or personal assistant. That framework can help you decide when it’s appropriate to use AI. For example, if you wouldn’t go to your assistant for advice about your marriage, it probably isn’t the best idea to bring those same questions to AI either. Taking a moment to reflect on this can help you identify areas where AI use might not be the healthiest choice. (Related Article: Anxiety Help – Connect with Others). With that in mind, there are two key areas I’d recommend avoiding when it comes to using AI:

Avoid Using AI for Relationship Advice

AI can be a great tool for general information or brainstorming, but it doesn’t replace real human understanding. It can’t fully empathize, challenge, or connect with you the way another person can. (Related Articles: Marriage Counseling: What is Empathy?; Coping Or Avoiding? Why Knowing The Difference Matters). Relationship advice is best explored with someone who knows you, understands your unique situation. Having a real person who can respond with emotional awareness and nuance is important, and these are things that AI, by nature, can’t genuinely provide.

Avoid AI Dependence

Be cautious about turning to AI for the kind of support you would normally seek from real relationships. Depending too heavily on AI for comfort, insight, or problem-solving can lead to reduced energy and motivation we put into our real-world connections. (Related Article: Communication in Relationships). The more we outsource those experiences, the harder it becomes to build and practice healthy relational skills that help us adapt and grow in meaningful ways. (Related Article: Exploring the Dangers of AI in Mental Health Care).

Of course, the impacts of AI are far more complex than these two examples. If you’re starting to notice how AI might be affecting your life—or if you want to explore its role in your relationships or personal growth—this is a great thing to bring into therapy. Many therapists, including those in our office, are interested and equipped to explore this topic with you.

If you’d like to learn more or schedule time with a therapist to talk about AI’s role in your life, feel free to reach out to our office.

Written by Brendan Ewell, Marriage and Family Therapist