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Psychologists warn AI chatbots give 'unqualified and harmful' mental health advice as patient use soars by 49%

A generic image evoking despair, as a British Psychological Society survey found 87% of practitioners warned AI chatbots are providing inaccurate mental health information to vulnerable patients.
A generic image evoking despair, as a British Psychological Society survey found 87% of practitioners warned AI chatbots are providing inaccurate mental health information to vulnerable patients.

A British Psychological Society survey covering 197 psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists revealed that nine in ten practitioners are alarmed by patients leaning too heavily on AI chatbots for mental health support, with 76% reporting that the technology is actively harming their clients' wellbeing. One practitioner noted that people gravitate toward AI because it feels "safer," yet doing so risks deepening their isolation. Dr Laura Dean, BPS president, says AI in healthcare "can only work with the right safeguards."

Almost 88% of practitioners raised concerns about the lack of clinical oversight over AI tools.

Around 87% warned that AI chatbots are providing inaccurate mental health information to vulnerable patients.

Dr Dean says AI "cannot replace the vital human element in mental health care" and called for more research into safe integration.

MoreThe IndependentExperts issue warning as more patients turn to AI chatbots for 'harmful' mental health adviceiNewsPsychologists sound alarm over chatbots 'harmful' mental health adviceThe IndependentPsychologists issue warning over ‘harmful’ mental health advice from AI chatbotsDoctors.net.ukPsychologists warn of risks as AI use for mental health rises 49% - Doctors.net.ukThe IndependentExperts issue warning as more turn to AI chatbots for mental health
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