When Your Therapist's Name is AI

When Your Therapist is AI

That question, "Will AI replace [insert your job]?" has been coming into my office space more often. Whether it's software engineers, teachers, nurses and even psychotherapists. The anxiety is palpable.

I recently discovered Dr. Allen Frances and Dr. Marvin Goldfried's podcast 'Talking Therapy" and have been listening through their catalog. In addition to bringing the importance of psychotherapy to psychiatry and supporting the development of psychotherapists, they discuss the rising importance of AI in our communities and workforce. Their commentary on AI in therapy discusses the need for caution as AI is able to provide accessibility and immediacy to many who struggle with access to care and the ability to provide adjunct behavioral health support through mental health apps. Though the question remains - will AI therapy be able to replace human connection, empathy or even the ability to adequately assess risk and act in the moment? 

Dr. Frances answers that question, "Will AI ever replace human psychotherapists? With great sadness, I answer, “not at once and not all therapists, but probably most therapists — and much sooner than we think.” This raises a further question several young people have asked me: “Does this mean it's a mistake for me to train to be a psychotherapist? To this, I answer a resounding “No!” First, because there is no place to hide. AI threatens every profession, in most cases sooner and more thoroughly than psychotherapy. Secondly, because, as long as there are people, a substantial minority of us will always much prefer to share our troubles with another person rather than an impersonal machine." 

Their podcast brought up a lot of questions in my mind - if you have more brewing in your mind - feel free to post them below.

If you're interested in reading or hearing more or Dr. Frances or Dr. Goldfried's thoughts on AI and psychotherapy, check their article and podcast out below: 

https://lnkd.in/gG74RwZ5

Talking Therapy on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gnDAcX2f