Is AI the Answer to America’s Mental-Health Crisis?

The millions of Americans living with mental illness—as well as people dealing with life’s everyday stresses—often struggle to see a therapist when they need one. That’s a big reason why many people have started turning to AI tools such as ChatGPT for emotional support. But as a number of high-profile lawsuits show, that can sometimes lead to devastating outcomes. Companies creating AI for mental health say they can do better. Today, we’re bringing Tech News Briefing listeners Part 1 of “The AI Therapist,” a special What’s News series we think you’ll enjoy. In this episode, host Alex Ossola and WSJ audio producer Pierre Bienaimé explore the growing field of these purpose-built tools, and how people are already using them. The AI Therapist: A WSJ Podcast Series Further Reading: Chatbots Are Replacing Therapists With Little Scientific Evidence Behind Them Teens Seek Mental-Health Help From Chatbots. That’s Dangerous, Says New Study. How AI Advice Is Undermining Eating-Disorder Therapy When There’s No School Counselor, There’s a Bot Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.