Artificial intelligence is becoming a part of our everyday life. Whether you have used it to shop online or as a tool at work, chances are you’ve already seen how AI pops up in surprising places including mental healthcare. In the mental health field, there’s a lot of hope that AI can make it easier for people to get therapy and support, but it’s important to remember that like any new tool, AI comes with risks especially when we are dealing with something as deeply personal as our mental wellbeing. This month let’s take a look together at what the involvement of AI in mental healthcare means for you and those you care about.

First, it helps to know that AI can open doors for people who might otherwise struggle to find help. Maybe you live far from a clinic, or you feel nervous about speaking to someone face-to-face and ideally the overall belief is that AI could offer support in those situations. But let’s be very clear and state that while this sounds great on paper, AI is not a magic solution. You see, AI “learns” from data that doesn’t represent everyone. That means that the advice or recommendations it gives might not fit your unique experience, especially if you’re part of a group that’s often overlooked. This is what’s known as algorithmic bias, and it’s one reason to approach new technology with caution and skepticism.

Another thing to keep in mind is that AI, for all its speed and power, can’t truly understand feelings or the full story behind your situation. In other words, it might miss something important, or misunderstand the way you’re feeling, because it just doesn’t pick up on emotions or subtle cues the way another person can. That’s why it’s so important not to lose sight of the human side of care. Qualities like empathy, trust, and true understanding are things that only people can give. Also, the years of clinical training and experience that clinicians like me have undergone are priceless when it comes to individualized treatment approaches.

Privacy is another big piece of the puzzle. When you talk to a mental health clinician, you share some of your most private and sensitive information. AI systems need a lot of data to work, which raises questions: Where does your information go? Who gets to see it? How is it protected? Even when companies say your data is anonymous, sometimes it’s possible for technology to figure out who you are. That’s why it’s so important to ask questions and make sure your privacy is taken seriously.

There are also important ethical questions to think about. If you’re getting help from an AI tool, you deserve to know what role it plays in your care, what it can and can’t do, and how your information is being used. You should always be asked for your consent, and you should feel comfortable saying yes or no. It’s also worth thinking about fairness as solutions need to work for everyone, no matter their background or circumstances. Above all, remember that AI can be a helpful extra tool, but it’s no replacement for the kindness, understanding, and support that come from another person. Only humans can really listen and “get” what you’re going through. Lastly, relying too much on chatbots or digital advice can sometimes backfire, and we’ve seen in the recent news that it can even make things worse for some people especially those belonging to vulnerable populations.

AI brings exciting new possibilities, but it also asks us to be thoughtful and careful. The best approach is to use these new tools with caution, while always consulting with a clinician, and keeping real human connection at the heart of your mental health care. You deserve clear answers about how your information is used, and strong protections for your privacy and wellbeing. Technology may change how you access support, but nothing can replace the comfort of being truly seen, heard, and understood by another person to help you in your healing journey.