Benefits and Risks of AI in Psychotherapy
Shruti Shyam
31/08/2026
Objectives: This systematic review examines the feasibility and safety of healthcare chatbots while also addressing the ethical implications of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical care.
Methods: A PubMed search was conducted utilizing keywords such as “Artificial Intelligence (AI),” “psychotherapy,” and “chatbot.” The papers were then processed through two rounds of screening and evaluated for credibility by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist.
Results: Results of controlled experiments regarding Artificial Intelligence’s implementation in psychotherapy sessions in various settings ultimately state that chatbots have the ability to provide varying levels of relief from common mental health issues.
Discussion: Limitations of implementing AI in psychotherapy include a lack of engagement, depth, and emotional regulation, a high risk of inaccuracy, and various data concerns. Gradual integration of AI would be most beneficial, as well as the involvement of a human therapist to ensure patient safety and assess progress.