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Can ChatGPT Replace a Therapist?
AI & Mental Health
I know I am bringing up a controversial topic, but it made me ask ChatGPT some questions related to my mental health. It responded quickly and provided alternatives that a therapist might not. However, it did advise consulting a professional during one of our interactions and reminded me to seek clarity on anything that was shared.
Often, I find that therapists do not always ensure that I understand everything they are saying. Because of this, I might ask directly or paraphrase and then ask if I understood correctly. Not everyone may recognize the need to do this (it took me some time to reach this point).
Can ChatGPT replace a therapist?
In this piece, I will share my answer to this question based on my few interactions with ChatGPT.
I believe ChatGPT serves as a great starting point for individuals who have not consulted a therapist. Generally, it should not replace a therapist but can effectively complement one. In some rare instances, it can serve as a replacement for a therapist for those who are not significantly affected by their mental health and possess a good sense of self-awareness. Lastly, it can be effective for individuals who have difficulty finding a suitable therapist. However, this ultimately boils down to possessing…
