AI vs. Therapy: Can Artificial Intelligence Truly Support Mental Health?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about artificial intelligence (AI) taking over our jobs. And in some ways, I think the concern is valid. We should be mindful of how AI is being used, because there are real dangers.

For example, I was heartbroken when one of my favourite authors shared that her books had been used without permission to train AI programs on how to write. Her years of hard work and creativity were used without consent, and without compensation. Beyond ethics, AI also has negative environmental impacts due to the massive amount of energy it consumes.

But it’s not all bad. AI has also been incredibly helpful for many people. For example, it can support people with disabilities, improve accessibility, and reduce certain barriers. Personally, as someone for whom English is not a first language, I write all of my blog posts myself — and then I use AI to review my writing and make sure it’s clear and grammatically correct. In that way, it’s been a useful tool.

Like anything else, AI has pros and cons, and the real question is how we choose to use it.

Recently, there’s been growing talk about AI replacing therapy. Some people are already experimenting with using AI chatbots as therapists. It’s not hard to see why: therapy can be expensive and hard to access, especially when mental health services in Ontario and throughout Canada are often not fully covered by universal healthcare. Therapy, isn’t covered, and if it is the waitlists are long. This is why it’s so important to keep advocating for expanded access, instead of more funding cuts.

I’ve tried using AI in this way myself, just to see what it felt like. Here’s what I noticed:

• It felt more like reading a self-help book than having a genuine conversation.
• The responses were prompted and structured, not flowing naturally.
• You have to know how to “prompt” AI in order to receive answers that feel relevant or appropriate. 
• AI has a tendency to oversimplify complex issues like trauma, systemic oppression, or family dynamics — which can sometimes create more harm than good.

Here are other things to be mindful when using AI:

• There are privacy concerns. Personal information should not be shared with AI. Remember, it’s a tool that is constantly being retrained, and we don’t always know how the data might be used.
• AI is not a tool for emergencies, such as suicidal thoughts or crises.
• AI won’t know what specific mental health challenges you’re facing, which usually guides a therapist in choosing the right approach. Human therapists adapt and shift with their clients as therapy progresses. AI cannot.
• AI is not regulated. Therapists, on the other hand, are trained professionals who are accountable to clients and to regulatory bodies. We follow strict ethical guidelines and can be held responsible if harm occurs — AI is not accountable to anyone.

Overall, AI isn’t a therapist. A therapist brings context — they know who you are, your history, and your goals. AI only has access to the words you type into the system.

At times, I did feel some validation. But it wasn’t the same as being truly seen and understood. AI is not human — and that’s the bottom line.

People usually seek therapy because they feel lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. Healing often happens within the relationship itself: through empathy, warmth, trust, and human connection. Therapists also pay attention to things AI can’t — like tone of voice, non-verbal cues, cultural context, and lived experience.

While AI might provide tools, exercises, or short-term relief, it cannot replace the depth of human presence.

AI can be a helpful complement to therapy, but not a replacement. It can support people with education, reminders, and accessibility — but it cannot provide the relational healing that happens in therapy.

If you’re curious about mental health support and wondering whether AI is enough, my suggestion is this: use AI tools for support when you need something quick, but turn to a therapist when you’re ready to go deeper, work through patterns, and feel truly understood.

Because at the heart of therapy is something AI can’t replicate: human connection.

✨ If you’re in Ontario and looking for a therapist who values empathy, cultural context, and genuine connection, I’d be honoured to support you. Reach out today to book a free 15-minute consultation.