Should I Use ChatGPT for Therapy?
I’ve recently noticed a growing trend that more and more people are using AI (often ChatGPT or SnapChat) for therapy. And lately, that includes a lot of young people. While AI tools like these might offer a sense of instant relief or support in the moment, they aren’t a replacement for a real, human connection. They weren’t designed to be therapists, and they can’t offer the depth, safety or personal care that real support provides.
Mental health support can be expensive, hard to navigate and frustrating, so when AI is ready to respond without judgment, it’s quite easy to lean on. But there are real risks I would like to share with regard to using these tools as a substitute for human care.
While AI might seem harmless (or even helpful), these platforms can easily become a go-to for emotional support for people, especially young people. That might look like asking AI for help with stress or venting about social struggles—but these are moments that call for real, empathetic, informed support. I am concerned that they might be turning to AI instead of a trusted adult or mental health professional when they’re hurting. I can’t overstate this enough: open, ongoing conversations between parents and kids are critical.
If a young person is using tools like “My AI” to talk about their feelings, that’s a signal. Not necessarily of a problem, but of a need; a need for connection, for understanding, and for safe places to express what they’re going through.
Rather than panic or shut these tools down, I encourage parents to ask questions like:
“What kinds of things do you talk to My AI about?”
“Have you ever felt like it helped—or didn’t help?”
“If something really tough came up, who would you talk to?”
These platforms don’t know your history, emotions or the complexity of your life. They can’t pick up on red flags or follow up later to see how you're doing. And they can’t create the safety or alliance that real counselling is built on.
What’s more, relying on AI might delay someone from reaching out for the professional support they actually need.
At Laura Gatien & Associates, we take a different approach. When someone calls us—whether they’re an overwhelmed teen, a worried parent or someone who just doesn’t know where to start—our team listens. We problem-solve. And we work together to find a path forward, whether that’s accessing a therapist through our practice or connecting you with options through our nonprofit, Just Us; We all Struggle Inc.
We created our charity, Just Us, because we saw how many people wanted help but couldn’t afford it. Through Just Us, we offer free and low-cost counselling to anyone in need —because nobody should be denied care because of finances. That includes youth, adults, families or couples — anyone who’s ready to talk and needs someone to talk to.
We’re not anti-tech. We believe tools like ChatGPT and My AI can offer short-term comfort or help kids put words to their feelings. But they’re not therapy. And they should never replace real human connection.
If you or someone you love needs support, please reach out. We’ll meet you with compassion and care — and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re not navigating it alone.