Thinking of using AI for therapy? Here are 5 things to keep in mind

Be mindful.

Be aware of the “sycophantic nature of these entities” and keep an eye on how much time you spend with them, [said I. Glenn Cohen, a professor and expert on bioethics at Harvard Law School.]

…

Tell others you are using it.

Letting others know you are using AI for mental health helps you find someone to check in with, and it might be part of a conversation to have with your health care provider, [said Keith Sakata, a psychiatrist at the University of California at San Francisco.]

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Be aware of red flags.

 “It’s always worth reflecting on how you’re using it or taking a pause and saying, ‘does this feel healthy and does it feel helpful to me,’” [said John Torous, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.]

Seek out alternative mental wellness support.

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It’s a “false dichotomy” to choose between therapy and AI chatbots, “especially when it’s untested,” said Torous …

Try getting human therapy.

Speak with your primary care doctor, who could help you navigate the insurance landscape and find a human mental health care professional.

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