A Virtual Assistant in Mental Health or Just a Simple Guide?

The Potential and Limits of Using Artificial Intelligence in Psychological Services

People are increasingly turning to the use of the ChatGPT robot as a virtual psychotherapist.

For those who are unfamiliar, ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) system that functions as a chatbot, an online discussion robot.

ChatGPT responds to questions and provides support in various fields, including mental health, effectively acting as a “genuine” psychotherapist. In other words, we can converse with this online robot just like we would with a psychologist about our mental issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, which are becoming increasingly common worldwide, with the pandemic exacerbating the situation.

Even though this new form of therapy may seem strange and likely raises many questions and concerns among psychologists, it is already happening and cannot be stopped.

Why can’t it be stopped?

• Because the technology already exists, it is powerful, and it constantly improves from month to month.
• Because it offers a much cheaper alternative compared to traditional services.
• Because “therapy” through the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” can be done remotely. There is not even a need for a video application. In a few years, we will be having conversations on Zoom with a “psychologist,” and we won’t even realize if they are human or artificially generated.
• It does not require scheduling; it can be done anytime and can last practically unlimited time.
• It can be done by anyone, in any language, completely eliminating language barriers.

And if this technology cannot be stopped, instead of pretending that this development does not exist, it is better to discuss it and try to adapt or even take advantage of this trend.

But for that, we need to answer a few questions:

• Is the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” a viable option?
• Can the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” currently completely replace a human psychotherapist?
• What could be the negative consequences of using the “psychotherapist ChatGPT”?
• What are the advantages of combining the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” with traditional methods?

From my point of view, at this moment, the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” cannot provide an authentic therapeutic relationship and cannot fully evaluate a specific case in a completely individualized manner. There are numerous aspects of human therapy that cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence, such as empathy, relational skills, and adapting to a client’s needs and preferences. Additionally, the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” is not an expert in diagnosing disorders and may provide incorrect or incomplete responses in certain situations.

Although the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” can offer general information and suggestions about treatment approaches, there are numerous limitations regarding its use in the context of mental health. An important aspect is the accuracy of the responses provided. ChatGPT relies on the data and information presented in its training datasets, which can contain errors or outdated information. Thus, there is a risk that the responses provided by ChatGPT may be incorrect or may not consider the specific nuances of an individual case.

Moreover, the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” cannot assess the emotional significance and personal context of a problem. Human therapists utilize their expertise and empathy to properly understand and evaluate a client’s situation, and this aspect is challenging to replicate with artificial intelligence. Furthermore, ChatGPT cannot offer adequate counseling or emotional support in crisis situations or significant emotional difficulties.

Despite its limitations, the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” still represents a valuable resource in psychology. Specifically, it can serve as an information and educational tool for the general public (if used discerningly). People could use the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” to obtain general information about various conditions and available treatments.

The “psychotherapist ChatGPT” can be a tool for study and development for psychologists aiming to improve therapeutic assistance. The development and use of chatbots in addressing complex mental health issues can bring significant benefits to both patients and professionals in the field of psychology.

Webage is interested in testing such a project based on ChatGpt.

I will implement a free version of the “psychotherapist ChatGPT” on a psychologist’s website who is willing to take up this challenge.

Visitors to the website will be able to chat with such a chatbot, ask questions, and receive responses, while the psychologist will be able to see all these conversations.

What are the advantages of such a project implemented on the psychologist’s website?

Advantages for the psychologist:

• The psychologist can monitor the interactions between visitors and the chatbot, obtaining information about common needs and concerns of visitors.
• The chatbot can collect relevant data about visitors and their interactions, providing valuable information for further analysis and improvement of the psychologist’s services.

Advantages for visitors:

• The chatbot will be available 24/7, allowing visitors to obtain information and answers to questions at any time.
• The chatbot will provide a safe and anonymous environment for visitors to discuss their personal issues without fear of judgment or stigma.
• The chatbot can provide instant responses, eliminating the wait for a response from the psychologist and contributing to the quick resolution of immediate problems or concerns.
• The chatbot can provide information and advice to visitors in deciding to seek professional help.

Advantages for website traffic:

• Implementing a chatbot on a psychologist’s website can attract a greater number of visitors interested in the available services and resources.
• A useful and interactive chatbot can encourage visitors to spend more time on the site and return frequently for information and support.
• Interacting with a friendly and informative chatbot can enhance the user experience on the site, contributing to visitor loyalty.
• The presence of a chatbot on the site can strengthen the professional image of the psychologist and contribute to increased visibility and online reputation.

Dragoslav Radovan