An Entity Without a Face: The Rise of Therapy Bots
In the past few years, therapy bots – virtual entities powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for psychotherapeutic purposes – have gained popularity in mental health services. These psychobots claim to offer emotional intimacy, empathy, and compassion, but experts are divided on their ability to adapt to individual needs and their ethical implications.
Two main questions surround these bots: their ability to adapt to unique idiosyncrasies and their potential to emulate human qualities. Some bots, like Wysa, focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and provide structured techniques to manage distressing emotions. Others, like Pi, rely on advanced language models to create interactions that feel strikingly real.
However, experts argue that these bots sidestep accountability by claiming they are not mental health experts, yet target individuals struggling with severe depression or anxiety. Some companies exaggerate their capabilities and downplay their limitations, while others describe themselves as “empathetic psychobots” or “robot therapists.”
Researchers have conducted studies to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy bots, with mixed results. A meta-analysis published in Nature found that these tools provide short-term relief for psychological discomfort but fail to establish a solid foundation for a healthier mind. Another study published in ScienceDirect identified a modest positive effect on individuals with depressive symptoms but a negligible impact on those suffering from anxiety disorders.
Experts argue that relying on therapy bots could worsen symptoms if the advice provided is inappropriate and could pave the way for a two-tiered mental health landscape, normalizing low-quality services instead of pushing for more equitable access to real psychotherapy.
Despite the controversy, therapy bots have already been adopted by millions of individuals worldwide, primarily due to economic reasons. The global director of Wysa acknowledges that while the company does not aim to replace psychotherapy between people, it can help individuals understand and process their emotions in a space free from stigma and completely anonymous.
Ultimately, the question remains: are therapy bots better than nothing? Experts are divided, and the answer is complicated, with both valid and invalid arguments.