Can Chat GPT Replace Therapists? A Discussion on the Role of AI in Mental Health Care

More and more, I’m hearing from patients, "I asked ChatGPT..." followed by an apology or “I know I’m not supposed to do that.” I’ve also come across memes and videos that are pretty funny but carry a message that AI is somehow a threat to therapists' jobs or undermining the work we’re doing with our patients. It seems to be a thing, so let’s talk about whether AI is helping or hurting the therapy world. As I write this on my 48th birthday, I can't help but reflect on the value of maturity and growth. Each decade of life brings its own set of gifts, and I can look back and pinpoint specific moments when technology shifted in big ways, and society stood at the crossroads of fascination and fear of change. Because, as we all know, change isn’t something humans generally welcome. I remember when Google and internet searches first became popular. People would casually search random things just for fun. Now, it’s a tool we don’t even think twice about—kind of like not app...