Parkland expert highlights growing role of AI in mental healthcare
'Technology can be a useful tool but not a substitute for licensed treatment’
From late-night stress to everyday anxiety, artificial intelligence (AI) tools and chatbots are rapidly becoming a go-to outlet for people seeking immediate mental health support. During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Parkland Health experts are urging caution, noting these new tools can help in the moment, but cannot replace the benefits of human professional care.
About one in 10 adults in the U.S. say they’ve turned to an AI chatbot for mental health information and advice, according to a new KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust.
“People are turning to AI because of the 24/7 access. It’s always there for you. It takes away that judgment,” explained Carolina Pena, Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Therapist at Parkland. “I’ve had patients tell me, ‘I don’t want to tell you because you’ll think the worst of me.’ As clinicians, we are not supposed to judge our clients, and we provide them with a safe space.”
While AI can provide support in the moment, Pena cautions that it has significant limitations. Chatbots carry a higher risk of misinterpretation and may miss serious warning signs, such as suicidal ideation, that trained mental health professionals are equipped to recognize. She also notes that AI-generated empathy can fall short, often failing to challenge negative thought patterns, and potentially reinforcing them instead.
“AI can create a sense of empathy, but it’s just giving you a generalized response. It’s created based on patterns, not on human contact,” she said. “You go to therapy because you want to feel better and you leave thinking it was a great session. But sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you leave therapy taken aback. Because healing hurts. Healing is not neat and easy. AI will always try to be empathic and will always tell you what you want to hear. So, there’s a risk of not being challenged or continuing the pattern of negative thinking.”
Pena emphasized that a significant portion of therapy’s effectiveness comes from the relationship between patient and therapist and the value of human connection. Licensed professionals can interpret body language and nonverbal cues, track changes over time and assess crises in real time.
She added that when used appropriately, AI can serve as a supplemental tool alongside professional care. It may be useful between sessions for journaling, organizing thoughts and reflecting on concerns to discuss with a therapist. It can also serve as a valuable research tool on topics of mental health and useful coping strategies.
While AI can offer short-term support, Pena emphasized it ultimately does not address underlying issues and is not designed for long-term healing, comparing it to placing a small bandage on a large wound.
“Therapy is not just advice. AI is only advice. AI just gives you advice or information. A therapist does more. A therapist sees you, processes your emotions with you and asks about you. AI would not do that. We should incorporate it if we can use it correctly,” she said. “AI is a tool. It will not replace a therapeutic process and a human being.”
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 call, text and chat service where people can access trained crisis counselors. Those experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance abuse or any emotional distress can receive support, which is especially helpful for people wanting to remain anonymous. The line also offers support to those who are worried about a loved one and need crisis support.
For more information about Parkland Behavioral Health Services, visit www.parklandhealth.org/behavioral-health.
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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