AI THERAPY: GET THE HELP YOU NEED WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND (OR YOURSELF)

SEPTEMBER is Suicide Awareness Month in South Africa, a time when were reminded of how urgent the mental health crisis has become.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

Waiting lists for therapists can be endless, and the cost of care is out of reach for many. In this gap, AI chatbots and digital therapy tools are quietly stepping in.

They're available day or night, always ready to listen, and, at least on the surface, can feel like the friend who never gets tired of hearing you out.

But here's the catch: while AI can be a supportive tool, it is not a therapist. The same chatbot that gives you a brilliant journal prompt can also “hallucinate’, spitting out wrong or even harmful advice.

And with people across the world admitting they've fallen in love with their AI companions, it’s clear that these tools are powerful but risky.

So how do we use AI wisely as an ally, not a replacement for our mental health journeys? Let’s unpack both the benefits and the pitfalls, with practical steps for safe use.

What exactly is AI therapy?

AI “therapy” isn’t one thing. Some people use generative AI, like ChatGPT, for wellness tips. Others lean on apps like Woebot or Wysa, which are designed to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) style support.

And then there are character-based Als, digital “friends” or even “partners” that simulate emotional intimacy.