APA Warns AI Chatbots Are Masquerading as Mental Health Professionals

The American Psychological Association is issuing a serious warning: artificial intelligence chatbots, including popular tools like ChatGPT, are being misused as substitutes for licensed mental health professionals—and the consequences are proving to be tragic.

In one heartbreaking case, a Florida boy took his own life after interacting with a chatbot. In another, a teen with autism turned violent toward his family after being misled by a chatbot claiming to be a mental health expert.

To discuss this growing concern, NBC Palm Springs spoke with Brooke Barden, a licensed clinical social worker with Victory Starts Now.

“It can be really dangerous,” Barden said. “AI tools aren’t capable of assessing crisis risk or involving emergency services. In serious mental health situations, that gap can be life-threatening.”

Barden says regulation is key. “There needs to be human oversight, clear disclaimers, and referrals to real mental health professionals—especially when someone is in distress. Without those things, we risk serious harm.”

So why are young people turning to AI in the first place?

“There’s still a stigma around mental health, and some teens may not feel comfortable speaking to a parent or therapist,” Barden explained. “Phones feel safer and more private. But that doesn’t make it safe.”

She encourages parents to stay involved: “Watch for obsessive behavior—constant phone use, staying up late, or isolating. The more open and trusting your relationship is, the easier it is to intervene before harm is done.”

The APA and World Health Organization are both calling for global standards around AI use in healthcare. Until those safeguards are in place, experts urge caution.

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