Psychologists across the UK have raised urgent concerns about artificial intelligence chatbots dispensing mental health guidance to vulnerable users, warning that the information being provided is often unqualified and potentially harmful. A recent survey conducted by the British Psychological Society (BPS) has revealed a worrying trend, with nine in ten professionals expressing alarm over patients increasingly turning to AI for emotional support instead of seeking proper human care.
The poll, which surveyed 197 psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists, found that nearly half (49%) of practitioners have observed a significant rise in patients utilising AI chatbots for mental health advice over the past year alone. Shockingly, around 76% of respondents believe this technology is having a negative impact on their clients’ wellbeing, with 80% expressing concern that people are becoming overly dependent on these digital tools.
Dr Laura Dean, president of the BPS, stated plainly: “This research shows there is real cause for concern for those that use AI for mental health therapy, and that concern is coming directly from psychological practitioners on the frontline providing vital in-person support. The risk of unregulated open access AI chatbots providing unqualified and harmful advice remains very real.”
Frontline Practitioners Witness Alarming Trend
The data paints a stark picture of shifting behaviour patterns among those seeking mental health support. Nearly 88% of surveyed professionals reported that patients are relying too heavily on AI systems, while around three-quarters (76%) believe the technology is detrimentally affecting client wellbeing. This surge coincides with broader societal adoption of generative AI tools, which have proliferated rapidly in recent years.
One practitioner described the challenge: “I am concerned about not understanding exactly what AI does, how it works, and how it comes up with its answers.” They highlighted a particularly troubling aspect – people turning to AI because it feels “safer”, avoiding the relational risks associated with building trust with human therapists. “We therefore increase the isolation and lack of social skills and contact in society, which is directly linked to quality of life and wellbeing,” they added.
The concern extends beyond clinical settings. Recent research by Barnardo’s and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) found that over four in ten children aged 11-17 (43%) have already used AI for advice or emotional support. This suggests the phenomenon is not merely affecting adults but is deeply embedded in younger generations’ coping mechanisms.
Experts Demand Accountability and Safeguards
Professional bodies are calling for immediate action to protect both service users and practitioners. Dr Dean emphasized that while AI offers certain benefits, “it cannot replace the vital human element in mental health care.” She advocated for more research and collaboration between psychological practitioners and those using AI tools to determine how human-led therapeutic services and artificial intelligence can be safely integrated.
Another survey respondent stressed the need for accountability, pointing out that AI is often perceived as “free” and therefore companies operate with minimal oversight. “Like with many social media platforms, the companies that run them have free rein to do as they please with little to no legal responsibilities,” they explained.
Rosie Weatherley from Mind echoed these sentiments, noting that even casual use of generative AI can cause harm due to the unknown long-term effects. While supporting digital tools that help people navigate mental health information, she cautioned: “these must not become a replacement for great quality care, where people feel properly heard and seen. We know that people still value human support over AI tools and we must not lose sight of this.”
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
Young people appear particularly susceptible to the lure of instant AI support. The Barnardo’s/NCPS study’s revelation that 43% of teenagers have turned to AI for emotional guidance raises serious questions about developmental needs and the importance of human connection during formative years. Children and adolescents require nurturing relationships and expert guidance that no algorithm can genuinely provide.
Moreover, the anonymity offered by AI may attract individuals who fear stigma around mental health issues. While this accessibility removes some barriers to initial help-seeking, it creates dangerous gaps in comprehensive care. Without proper assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing support, users risk receiving inadequate or even dangerous advice that could exacerbate their conditions.
Mental health professionals warn that over-reliance on AI undermines essential therapeutic processes involving trust, empathy, and personalised treatment plans developed through careful observation and interaction. These elements remain irreplaceable in achieving meaningful recovery outcomes.
The BPS poll comes at a critical juncture as society grapples with integrating emerging technologies responsibly into sensitive areas like healthcare. With mounting evidence suggesting AI’s limitations in addressing complex psychological needs, stakeholders must prioritise establishing robust frameworks ensuring safe usage while preserving access to qualified professional support.
Why it Matters
This development threatens fundamental principles of effective mental health care, where human understanding, empathy and personalised attention remain irreplaceable. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, society faces a crucial test: balancing technological convenience against the necessity of human connection in healing. Without proper safeguards, we risk creating a generation dependent on digital facsimiles of care rather than authentic human support, potentially deepening mental health crises instead of alleviating them.
