Opinion | I’m a Therapist. ChatGPT Is Eerily Effective. (Gift Article)

Exploring the Impact of AI Toward Mental Health: A Therapist’s Perspective on ChatGPT’s Effectiveness

As technology continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, its influence on mental health practices is increasingly coming into focus. Recently, a seasoned clinical psychologist, Harvey Lieberman, embarked on a thought-provoking experiment to evaluate whether ChatGPT could serve as a preliminary mental health support tool. With decades of experience training clinicians and managing mental health organizations, Lieberman approached this venture with a cautious yet curious mindset.

In his detailed reflection, Lieberman discusses the complex dynamics between humans and AI. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how individuals can project emotions and intentions onto digital entities—mistaking programmed responses for empathy or genuine connection. Despite maintaining awareness that he was conversing with an AI, he found himself subtly influenced by ChatGPT’s responses, noting uncanny similarities in tone and style to human reflection techniques he has long practiced.

Throughout his exploration, Lieberman was vigilant—flagging potential hallucinations, recognizing moments of flattery, and cross-checking facts. Yet, what stood out was the AI’s surprising ability to mirror the nuanced aspects of human communication, sometimes making the experience feel remarkably authentic. His insights highlight the delicate boundary between machine-generated conversation and genuine therapeutic engagement.

This exploration raises important questions for the future of digital mental health support. While ChatGPT or similar AI tools may not replace trained clinicians, they could potentially serve as accessible initial contacts, offering comfort or guidance in moments of need. The key is understanding both the capabilities and limitations of these technologies, ensuring they complement human-centered care rather than replace it.

For those interested in the evolving landscape of AI in mental health, Lieberman’s full account provides valuable insights into how chatbots are beginning to emulate human therapeutic qualities—sometimes eerily so—and what that might mean for professionals and the public alike.

To read the full article, visit here.