Have You Considered AI Therapy?

Recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence are reshaping how we think about mental health support, and Dartmouth’s recent clinical trial of Therabot offers an exciting glimpse into the future.

The Therabot study revealed that participants using the AI-powered therapy chatbot experienced significant improvements in their symptoms, with many likening their interactions to those with a professional therapist.

This article explores the keys to the individual success of AI chatbots, why this trend is likely to continue, and how my own experiences with AI-based coaching have been transformative.

Keys to AI Chatbot Success for Individuals

Effective. AI-driven therapy tools like Therabot are designed to meet the critical needs of modern mental health care. First, these chatbots are *effective*. Recent models are impressively powerful and rigorously trained using evidence-based practices from cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy. In Dartmouth’s trial, individuals with depression saw an average symptom reduction of 51%, while those dealing with anxiety experienced a 31% improvement. Even for conditions such as disordered eating, users reported a 19% reduction in concerns—suggesting that these systems are capable of delivering meaningful benefits.

Speed. Another important factor is speed. AI chatbots deliver responses in real time, a stark contrast to the prolonged wait times often associated with traditional therapy. Whether it’s a moment of distress in the middle of the night or a sudden surge of anxiety during the day, support is available immediately, offering a vital safety net for those in need.

Accessibility is also a game-changer. For many people, particularly those living in rural areas or regions with a shortage of qualified mental health professionals, traditional therapy can be difficult to access. With an AI chatbot, support is available around the clock and from anywhere, breaking down geographical barriers. In addition, the on-demand nature of these apps means you’re never limited to scheduled sessions—if you need support, you can access it whenever it strikes.

Cost is another critical factor. Whereas traditional therapists can charge hundreds of dollars per session, many of these digital solutions are available for a fraction of the price—often around $10 to $20 a month. This affordability opens up mental health care to a much broader population.

Privacy. Additionally, because interactions with AI are digital, they offer a high degree of privacy. Many users appreciate that they can share personal thoughts without fear of judgment or concern about confidentiality breaches.

Consistency. Finally, one of the most appealing aspects of AI in mental health is its consistency. Unlike human therapists, AI agents do not have off days—they maintain a steady standard of response and remain fully patient no matter how many times you engage with them. The uniform quality of care these systems offer is a compelling advantage, particularly for individuals who crave reliability and steadiness in their mental health support.

Why This Trend Will Continue, Improve

The promise of AI in mental health isn’t a fleeting trend—it’s poised for long-term growth. One reason is scalability. Unlike traditional therapy models that rely on one-on-one appointments, AI chatbots can serve countless users simultaneously. This horizontal scaling means that once an AI agent performs reliably, it can deliver support to many more individuals, easing the burden on an already overtaxed mental health system.

Moreover, as base models and training techniques improve, so too will the quality of these systems. It is likely that, over time, AI therapists will outperform the average human practitioner in routine tasks, particularly for clients with mild to moderate conditions. These thresholds could shift the balance in favor of digital therapeutic tools for a larger segment of the population.

My Experience with AI-Based Coaching

On a personal note, I have found immense value in my own interactions with AI-based coaching. I’ve been using a custom GPT model from OpenAI called “Founder’s Friend,” an AI tailored to provide advice and serve as a sounding board for startup founders. One of my favorite aspects of this tool is its audio functionality, which allows me to engage in ‘conversations’ while walking my dog. This hands-free approach not only keeps me active but also free from the distractions of the screen.

The experience has been nothing short of fantastic. While the AI rarely tells me exactly what to do, it excels in helping me externalize and process complex ideas. I find that articulating my thoughts aloud and receiving thoughtful, reflective responses is both clarifying and empowering. It has become an invaluable tool for sparring with ideas and navigating challenging decisions, much like having a trusted advisor on call whenever I need one.

Looking Forward

While the Dartmouth study on Therabot may not be the final word on AI in mental health, it is a significant milestone. It demonstrates that digital therapeutic tools can not only match some aspects of traditional therapy but also offer unique advantages in accessibility, cost, and consistency. As research and technology continue to evolve, it is reasonable to expect even greater improvements in both the safety and efficacy of these systems.

For anyone struggling to find quality mental health support in today’s busy or geographically challenging environment, exploring AI-powered options sooner rather than later might be a wise choice. The convergence of clinical research, ongoing technological advancements, and real-world user experiences signals that the future of mental health care could be both personal and profoundly transformative.

Mea Culpa!

Speaking of the value and power of AI. I took my hand written, mind-map outline of this article and fed it into ChatGPT. The entire article above this paragraph was written by AI.

Sure, it doesn’t have my exact writing style and and voice nailed down. However, it covered 100% of what I wanted to say and I give it a B/B+ in terms of quality. Not bad for a total investment of 10 minutes (normally my weekly blog articles take me 1-3 hours).

The same ROI will be true with AI therapy. It may not be perfect, but if it can give you an instant B/B+ result, amazing. The impact on billions of people around the world will be profound. And while there might be stigma around using such tools in 2025, in a few years, even human therapists will suggest you use their own AI tools to ask questions in between sessions.