'How are you using AI?' Your therapist should ask you that question, experts argue

A team of mental health experts and researchers published a paper in the prestigious medical journal JAMA Psychiatry on January 15, 2025, arguing that therapists and psychiatrists should routinely ask patients about their use of artificial intelligence chatbots. The authors contend that this inquiry is now as clinically essential as asking about sleep, diet, or substance use because AI interactions can significantly influence a patient's mental state, relationships, and treatment outcomes. The paper serves as a formal call to action for the integration of this question into standard clinical assessments. The recommendation stems from the rapid proliferation of AI companions and therapy-like chatbots, such as those offered by major tech companies, which millions now use for emotional support, advice, or casual conversation. The authors highlight that these interactions are not neutral; they can reinforce harmful thought patterns, provide poor or dangerous advice, or create unhealthy dependencies without any clinical oversight. Conversely, some patients might use AI tools beneficially as a supplement to therapy, making it crucial for providers to understand this dimension of a patient's life. Ignoring it, they argue, leaves therapists with an incomplete picture, akin to treating someone without knowing their medication history. This proposal reflects a broader, urgent need for the mental health field to adapt to a world where AI is embedded in daily life. The paper outlines potential frameworks for how to ask the question non-judgmentally and how to clinically interpret the answers. For instance, a patient's disclosure of using an AI chatbot for ruminating on negative thoughts would be a critical risk factor, while using it for mindfulness exercises might be viewed as a positive coping strategy. The experts emphasize this is not about discouraging technology use but about ensuring therapists can provide informed, holistic, and safe care in the digital age.