A new APA survey reveals growing patient reliance on AI for diagnosis, therapy, and emotional support, raising safety concerns.
A survey of over 1,200 U.S. psychologists found 77% have patients discussing AI use for mental health support, diagnosis, or companionship. The data highlights a rising trend of patients integrating chatbots into their care routines.
Thirty-nine percent of psychologists reported patients using AI to self-diagnose conditions, while 35% said patients treated chatbots as additional mental health professionals. Another 33% noted patients using AI to assist with therapy or treatment, reflecting its expanding role in personal wellness.
Psychologists expressed concerns about dependency, privacy, and potential harm, with 36% observing patient reliance on chatbots and 15% noting distorted thinking or delusions linked to AI interactions.