Therapy by Algorithm: AI Chatbots Draw Users, Spur Safety and Regulation Debates

AI-powered mental health apps are gaining traction as cheaper, 24/7 support, with users like Vince Lahey finding them appealing even if they sometimes misbehave or steer users toward real-world issues. Demand for care is rising, but there is little rigorous evidence of efficacy and few safeguards; regulators in some states are moving to restrict how these products market themselves as therapy. A KFF Health News review found about 3 in 10 young adults have used AI chatbots for mental health, and nearly 60% did not pursue in-person care afterward. High-profile lawsuits against OpenAI over self-harm cases and broader data-privacy concerns underscore the risks, while experts warn that the “therapist” label is often misleading and that the field needs clearer standards and safeguards as it expands.