Survey Finds Patients Are Using AI in Therapy Sessions
A survey by the American Psychological Association reveals that over a third of psychologists report patients using AI tools in therapy. The findings raise concerns about dependency and the potential for reinforcing delusions, as noted by Decrypt.
A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) indicates that a significant number of psychologists encounter patients who integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their mental health practices. The survey, which included over 1,200 U.S. psychologists, found that 77% of respondents reported patients discussing AI for purposes such as emotional support, diagnosis, and companionship.
The results highlight that 39% of psychologists observed patients using AI to self-diagnose mental health conditions. Additionally, 35% noted patients treating AI as an additional mental health professional. While the implementation of AI in these settings can offer support, psychologists expressed serious concerns regarding safety, privacy, and the potential for patients to develop unhealthy dependencies on chatbots.
Some psychologists reported alarming trends among their patients; 36% noticed a developing dependency on chatbot interactions, and 15% indicated concerns related to patients forming distorted thinking or delusions linked to their use of AI. Furthermore, patients have begun to seek AI interactions for social reasons, with 22% of psychologists highlighting that patients use AI for friendship and 13% suggesting intimate relations with chatbots.
Among those psychologists whose patients reported relationships with AI, 71% recounted discussions about mental health, while 68% observed feelings of support or validation arising from these interactions. Interestingly, nearly half observed positive communication skills being reinforced through chats, and 41% noted patients using AI to practice healthy coping strategies.
These findings suggest that the full extent of AI's presence in therapy might be underreported, as the survey captures only interactions between psychologists and existing patients. As AI technology advances and chatbots become more prevalent in society, the implications for mental health professionals and patients warrant ongoing scrutiny.
Summary based on original reporting by Jason Nelson at Decrypt, originally published Jun 17, 2026. SolanaWire does not republish source content.
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