Psychologists warn of risks as AI use for mental health rises 49%

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Storm Newton, Press Association

Psychologists have raised concerns about unregulated AI chatbots providing “unqualified and harmful” information to people seeking mental health advice.

It comes as a British Psychological Society (BPS) survey found that practitioners have seen a 49% rise in the number of patients using AI for support in the last 12 months.

One member told the survey they are worried people are turning to technology as it feels “safer”, but warned there is a risk of increasing isolation that can impact wellbeing.

The BPS poll of 197 psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists found seven in 10 are somewhat or very concerned about clients using AI for mental health support.

Almost nine in 10 (88%) raised concerns around the lack of clinical oversight, while a similar proportion (87%) said they are worried about AI providing inaccurate information.

Some 80% told the survey they are concerned clients are becoming overly reliant on the technology, while around three quarters (76%) said it is negatively affecting client wellbeing.