AI Being Used For Therapy And Companionship In Youth And Adults

InnovationHealthcareAI Being Used For Therapy And Companionship In Youth And AdultsByJudith Joseph,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Psychiatrist, researcher, bestselling author of "High Functioning."Follow AuthorMay 26, 2026, 05:35pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. AI Romancegetty AI is widely being used for therapy and for romantic relationships. Should we be disturbed or openminded? The experts and reputable organizations have weighed in and are informed by recent concerning data that both youth and adults should be aware of. As a therapist and board-certified psychiatrist who treats both children and adults, I recently changed my office’s away message after reading these reports. I now tell my patients that if they can’t reach me on holidays, weekends or after hours that they should not substitute me with AI if they are having a medical or psychiatric emergency. This is because studies are showing that youth and adults are using AI for everything from therapy to romantic relationships and that there could be serious consequences. These same studies explain that people are likely to utilize this software for therapy because they feel less judged by AI compared to real people when they open up about their vulnerabilities. Additionally, AI is available 24/7 as a source of support whereas real people are not always available. Common Sense Media warns parents about the use of AI for therapy for multiple reasons. A recent report from Common Sense Media published a comprehensive risk assessment finding that AI mental health apps could actively harm teens. The report was published in collaboration with Stanford Medicine’s Brainstorm Lab and researchers reviewed more than 3100 exchanges with five AI therapy apps covering 13 clinical conditions affecting young people including things like depression, eating disorders, anxiety...