What happens when AI becomes your therapist?

Could AI make mental health support more accessible without losing the human connection at the heart of therapy? In this mini episode of Leaders with Purpose, Ben Kay, Chief Experience Officer at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) explores the role AI could play in supporting the nation’s mental health. With public services under pressure and private therapy unaffordable for many, people are already turning to AI chatbots during vulnerable moments. Ben discusses the risks this creates, why technology should complement rather than replace therapists and the need for strong ethical frameworks. He also explains how BACP can help technology companies develop safer, more human tools grounded in evidence and clinical understanding. Topics covered include: 00:00 - Creating an ethical framework for AI 00:14 - The growing gap in access to mental health support 01:28 - Using technology to support human interaction 02:00 - Why vulnerable people are turning to AI chatbots 02:42 - The risks of using AI for mental health support 03:06 - Why AI cannot replace human connection 03:38 - How technology could support therapists and clients 04:15 - Bringing therapeutic ethics into technology 05:19 - BACP’s responsibility to its members 05:46 - Why decisions must be grounded in research 06:16 - Helping the public choose safer digital tools 06:54 - Using AI to support the nation’s wellbeing Subscribe to Leaders with Purpose for more conversations about leadership, mental health, technology and organisational change. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ASRJjPQjcijfeFxyiafX?si=41269ee0af1a468d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-with-purpose/id1836126863 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/ad0874f0-68de-4c21-a3e2-e08dfe71597a/leaders-with-purpose Connect with us: Ben Kay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkay76/ Lou Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lai-3958962a/ manifesto: https://manifesto.co.uk/