Wondering if AI can replace a therapist? Let’s talk about it.
Hi, I’m Dr. Tom McDonagh and I’m a psychologist at Good Therapy SF. AI is showing up in all kinds of mental health tools lately, so let’s take a look at what it can actually do and where it falls short.
So first, AI can help you reflect. It’s great at summarizing your thoughts or offering patterns, especially if you’re journaling or talking through something out loud.
But here’s the limit. AI doesn’t actually understand you. It isn’t a human being. It can mimic empathy, but it can’t offer real attunement accountability or connection.
So therapy isn’t just about insight. It’s about the quality of the relationship. Healing happens in the context of being seen and supported by someone who knows you, not just something that mirrors your words.
So if you’re using AI for support, that’s a great start, but it works best as a tool with a real therapist. Reach out if you want to hear more.
