Trending Now - Experts Urge Therapists to Explore Ai's Role in Mental Health Care

WHO:

NPR - Cami Winkelspecht has had a growing number of clients and their parents ask her for help with using AI for brainstorming and other tasks in ways that don't break a school's honor code.

NPR - William Weeks, co-author of the paper published in JAMA Psychiatry alongside Shaddy Saba.

NPR - Shaddy Saba, assistant professor at New York University's Silver School of Social Work

NPR - Vaile Wright, representative of the American Psychological Association (APA)

NPR - Dr. Tom Insel, former director of the National Institute of Mental Health

NPR - Cami Winkelspecht, psychologist with a private practice in Wilmington, Delaware

WHAT:

NPR - Winkelspecht is considering adding questions about social media and AI use to her intake form based on the recommendations from Saba's study.

NPR - The paper published in JAMA Psychiatry emphasizes the importance of understanding how patients use AI for emotional support, stating that it can provide valuable insights into their mental health.

NPR - A new paper published in JAMA Psychiatry recommends that mental health care providers ask patients about their use of AI chatbots for emotional support.

NPR - The APA released a health advisory in November 2025 that aligns with the recommendations of Saba and his co-author.

NPR - Saba describes the information gained from discussing AI use as a "treasure trove of information" for therapists.

NPR - Winkelspecht is considering adding questions about social media and AI use to her intake form.

WHERE:

NPR - New York University, Silver School of Social Work

NPR - Wilmington, Delaware

WHEN:

NPR - The APA's health advisory was released in November 2025.

NPR - The discussions about AI's role in mental health care are ongoing as of 2026.

WHY:

NPR - Winkelspecht believes that therapists and parents need to be more aware of how children and teens are using their digital devices, including social media and AI chatbots.

NPR - Understanding a patient's use of AI can help therapists identify if patients are avoiding difficult conversations with loved ones by seeking support from chatbots instead.

NPR - Understanding a patient's use of AI can provide insight into their emotional wellbeing and mental health status.

NPR - Patients may use chatbots to discuss topics they are reluctant to share with therapists, such as suicidal thoughts.

HOW:

NPR - Saba suggests therapists should ask patients if they found any chatbot interactions unhelpful or problematic and discuss the risks associated with using chatbots for emotional support, including data privacy concerns.

NPR - Therapists are encouraged to approach the topic of AI use with curiosity and without judgment.

NPR - Saba suggests therapists ask specific questions about what patients find helpful in their interactions with AI chatbots.

(UPDATED April 11, 2026 11:09 UTC)

Cami Winkelspecht has seen an increasing number of clients and their parents seeking her guidance on how to use AI for brainstorming and other tasks without violating school honor codes. Based on recommendations from a recent study by Saba, Winkelspecht is thinking about adding questions regarding social media and AI use to her intake form, as she believes it's crucial for therapists and parents to understand how children and teens engage with their digital devices. Saba also suggests that therapists should inquire whether patients have experienced any unhelpful or problematic interactions with chatbots and discuss the potential risks, including concerns about data privacy when using these tools for emotional support.

(UPDATED April 11, 2026 09:09 UTC)

A new paper published in JAMA Psychiatry highlights the significance of understanding how patients utilize AI for emotional support, co-authored by William Weeks and Shaddy Saba. The research points out that this understanding can help therapists determine if patients are avoiding tough conversations with loved ones by turning to chatbots for support. Saba recommends that therapists inquire about any unhelpful or problematic chatbot interactions and address the potential risks, including concerns about data privacy.

(UPDATED April 11, 2026 07:17 UTC)

A new paper published in JAMA Psychiatry recommends that mental health care providers ask patients about their use of AI chatbots for emotional support, a topic that has gained traction since the American Psychological Association released a health advisory in November 20th25. Shaddy Saba, an assistant professor at New York University's Silver School of Social Work, describes the insights gained from these discussions as a "treasure trove of information" for therapists, while psychologist Cami Winkelspecht in Wilmington, Delaware, is considering incorporating questions about social media and AI into her intake forms. The ongoing conversations around AI's role in mental health care emphasize the importance of understanding how patients use these tools, as they may share sensitive topics they are hesitant to discuss with their therapists.