Why ChatGPT Shouldn’t Be Your Therapist

Teen using ChatGPT as a therapist

Artificial intelligence has made its way into almost every part of our lives. From answering quick questions to helping us write emails, tools like ChatGPT have become everyday companions. And it’s so helpful! But as we see in the news the stories of children using ChatGPT for harmful activity, and with its ability to generate thoughtful responses and even provide comfort, some people wonder: could ChatGPT be my therapist?

The short answer is no. While ChatGPT can be supportive and informative, it’s not a replacement for professional mental health care. It’s not a replacement for human care. Here’s why:

1. ChatGPT Isn’t Human

Therapy works best when you feel heard, understood, and connected. A licensed therapist doesn’t just respond with words—they listen with empathy, notice your tone of voice, read your body language, and respond to your unique emotions in real time. AI doesn’t have that human connection. It can’t truly “get” your feelings the way a person can.

2. No Professional Training or Accountability

Therapists go through years of training, supervision, and licensing to ensure they practice safely and ethically. They also work under professional boards that hold them accountable. ChatGPT, on the other hand, has no training in psychology and no accountability if something goes wrong. That means if you’re in crisis or need nuanced support, you could be left vulnerable.

3. It Can’t Keep You Safe

One of the most important roles of a therapist is ensuring your safety. If someone expresses thoughts of harming themselves, a therapist knows how to respond with care, connect you to resources, and intervene if necessary. ChatGPT can provide information, but it can’t call emergency services or ensure you get the help you need in a dangerous moment.

4. Advice vs. Therapy

While ChatGPT can offer general tips—like mindfulness strategies or ways to manage stress—therapy is much deeper than advice. Therapy involves exploring your history, patterns, emotions, and relationships in a safe, structured way. It’s about creating real change, not just offering suggestions.

5. Your Story Deserves More

You’re not just a collection of text inputs. Your life experiences, struggles, and strengths are complex, and they deserve more than automated replies. A good therapist brings their humanity into the room with you, helping you process pain and build resilience in ways a chatbot simply can’t.

Where ChatGPT Can Help

That said, ChatGPT can still be a helpful companion tool for mental health:

• Looking up information about therapy approaches (like CBT, EMDR, or IFS)

• Practicing journaling prompts or reflection questions

• Getting motivation or reminders for self-care habits

• Learning basic coping strategies like breathing exercises or grounding techniques

Think of ChatGPT as a resource—not a relationship.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, ChatGPT can be a supportive aid, but it should never replace the care of a trained professional. Or even a friend!! Therapy is about being seen, supported, and guided by another human being who is fully present with you.

Your mental health is too important to leave in the hands of artificial intelligence. You deserve real connection, real accountability, and real healing.

Contact us today for real, in-person or virtual care from a human… who cares.