Therapists advises on AI’s impact on mental health

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Artificial Intelligence is becoming more and more prominent in many areas in life, including therapy. 

“Everybody has access to AI right now. It can come with your computer, with your phone,” said Dr. Julius Jefferies, a licensed therapist and mental health specialist. “A trend we’ve been seeing is a lot of people are using AI to look up mental health issues. Some have even made the choice to ask AI, what would I do for depression, what would I do for anxiety.”

Jefferies said that people who are turning to AI for help with their mental health could be causing themselves more harm than good and they’re missing out on a human connection that therapists can provide. 

“AI doesn’t as questions in a manner that’s indicative of human intuition, compassion or kindness. It’s more of a data algorithm and the thing is, we don’t even know where that information comes from,” Jefferies said. 

He said building a relationship with a therapist can be a long process, but by building that relationship therapists can give responses based on what they know about you rather than a set list of answers.

“With us as human beings, we look for that nuance, that verbiage in your tone, the lack of eye contact,” Jefferies said. “Do you really mean that or are you just telling me what you want me to hear. Hey, you seem really nervous right now is today a good time to work on that trauma? And things like that.”

He said it’s important to remember that answers given by AI aren’t always accurate to the situation and that there are real people to reach out to for help.

“It’s normal to have mental health issues, and also it’s a community affair to manage your mental health. It was never meant for you to manage alone,” Jefferies said.

For those who may need help with mental health you can reach out to the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee. If you or someone you know is in crisis reach out to 988.