Real Therapists vs. ChatGPT: We Compared Their Advice, And There Are Major Pros And Cons

ChatGPT can do about anything we ask it to, right?

When it comes to providing therapy, the answer isn’t so clear.

The post “I’ve tasted therapy, I’ve tasted venting to friends, I highly recommend ChatGPT” is ubiquitous across social media. On Reddit forums and the “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” Facebook groups, people said ChatGPT is “helpful” or even “the best therapist.”

But not everyone’s experience has been so cheery. Plus, therapists have concerns — for their clients, not their job prospects.

Therapist Mary Beth Somich posted about how ChatGPT doesn’t provide a human connection and lacks accountability, experience and ethical responsibility. A Futurism article shared how ChatGPT told a person recovering from addiction that they needed meth. An X user showed how ChatGPT encouraged quitting medications cold turkey and, clinically speaking, delusions.