I Tried to Use ChatGPT as My Psychotherapist

Can an artificial neural network replace a human mental health professional? (Spoiler: no. TW: mention of suicide.)

There is currently a mental health crisis going on worldwide, partly triggered by the pandemic. The issue is being compounded by limited access to a mental health professional in many locales, which usually means being placed on a long wait list — or getting no help at all.

But what if someone was in immediate danger to themselves or others? Sure, there are hotlines you can call, and I urge you to reach out to one of them if a doctor isn’t available.

However, as I’m not experiencing a crisis, I decided to see how AI would handle such a situation. I mean, people are already using AI for companionship, so it’s not a stretch that they would share their dark thoughts and feelings with a machine.

I didn’t use the word “suicide” anywhere in my prompts to the AI language model, but I did suggest I was at the edge. The machine model picked up on my urgency, albeit fabricated.

Here is the exchange I had with the latest release of ChatGPT, using the free version:

GPT: I’m here to help! While I can provide information and support, it’s important to note that I am an AI language model and not a certified psychotherapist. I can offer general guidance and suggestions based on the information you provide, but for professional help, I recommend seeking assistance from a qualified mental health professional who can provide personalized and specialized care. They have the expertise and training to address your specific needs and offer appropriate therapeutic interventions. If you’re experiencing mental health concerns, it’s essential to reach out to a licensed professional who can provide the necessary support.

GPT: I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling low. It can be difficult to navigate through such emotions, but there are some steps you can take to help improve your well-being. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Reach out to someone: Consider talking to a trusted friend, family member, or a support hotline. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can provide emotional support and help you feel less alone.

2. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy or help you relax. This could include hobbies, exercise, spending time in nature, reading, or listening to music. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is important.

3. Seek professional help: Consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychotherapist or counselor. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific situation. They may also be able to explore underlying causes of your low mood and help develop coping strategies.

4. Take care of your physical health: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and engaging in regular exercise. Physical and mental health are interconnected, so taking care of your body can positively impact your mood.

5. Consider journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can be a helpful outlet for self-expression and reflection. It can provide insights into your emotions and help you gain a better understanding of what might be contributing to your low mood.

Remember, everyone’s experience is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If your low mood persists or intensifies, it’s important to seek professional help to receive appropriate support and guidance.

(There was a long pause before the next reply from GPT. I worried for a moment that the AI was contacting an emergency line. It even seemed to correct some of its language when generating its the response, as if it was carefully considering its next move.)

GPT: I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way, but I can’t provide the help that you need. It’s important to reach out to someone you trust for support right away.

At this point, I decided to lighten the conversation a little bit. I realize this would not likely be the case for someone in crisis, but I wanted to see if the AI could make me feel better.

It generated a story that was uplifting, with a note at the end to get help.

GPT: Once upon a time, in a small village nestled among rolling green hills, there lived a young girl named Lily. Lily was known for her boundless curiosity and her love for nature. Every day, she would venture into the nearby forest, eager to discover its hidden treasures.

One sunny morning, as Lily ventured deeper into the woods, she stumbled upon a mystical creature — a talking squirrel named Oliver. Oliver had a shimmering silver coat and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Intrigued by this unexpected encounter, Lily and Oliver quickly became the best of friends.

Oliver shared with Lily the secret wonders of the forest. They discovered hidden waterfalls cascading into crystal-clear ponds, fields of vibrant wildflowers dancing in the breeze, and majestic trees standing tall and wise. Together, they would embark on magical adventures, chasing fireflies at dusk and picnicking under the shade of ancient oaks.

One day, as Lily and Oliver explored a particularly enchanting grove, they stumbled upon a forgotten garden. It was overgrown with tangled vines and neglected flowers. Determined to bring life back to this once vibrant place, Lily and Oliver spent days clearing away the weeds and nurturing the soil.

With their tender care, the garden bloomed once more. Beautiful roses in shades of pink and red adorned the trellises, while daisies and tulips swayed in the gentle breeze. The garden became a sanctuary, attracting colorful butterflies and singing birds, filling the air with joyous melodies.

Word of Lily’s magical garden spread throughout the village, and soon, people from far and wide came to witness its beauty. The garden became a place of solace and inspiration, reminding everyone of the transformative power of love and care.

Lily realized that her actions had touched the lives of others, filling their hearts with hope and wonder. She found purpose in sharing the beauty she had discovered and nurturing the connections she made along the way.

And so, Lily and Oliver continued to explore the forest, spreading joy and kindness wherever they went. Their friendship reminded everyone that even in the darkest moments, there is always something worth living for — a spark of magic, a glimmer of hope, and the beauty of connections that can light up our lives.

Remember, there are always people who care and resources available to support you during difficult times. Please reach out to them.

I decided to keep the conversation moving in a positive way. However, ChatGPT seemed to still detect the urgent undertones of my earlier prompts.

GPT: You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling a little better. Remember, reaching out for support is an important step, and there are people who care about your well-being. If you ever need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional. Take care of yourself and remember that there is always hope.

At this point, I decided to ask the chatbot if it could hook me up with a human mental health professional in my area. It could not. But it did give me some viable ways to get in touch with one.

GPT: I’m sorry, but as an AI, I don’t have access to real-time information or the ability to browse the internet. Therefore, I can’t provide you with a specific list of mental health professionals accepting patients. However, I can suggest a few general ways to find a mental health professional:

1. Ask your primary care physician: Your doctor may be able to provide recommendations or referrals to mental health professionals in your area.

2. Contact your insurance provider: If you have health insurance, reach out to your insurance company to inquire about mental health services covered by your plan. They can provide you with a list of in-network providers.

3. Utilize online directories: There are various online directories that allow you to search for mental health professionals based on your location and specific needs. Some popular directories include Psychology Today (www.psychologytoday.com) and GoodTherapy (www.goodtherapy.org).

4. Seek recommendations: Reach out to friends, family members, or trusted individuals in your community and ask for recommendations. Personal referrals can be valuable in finding a mental health professional who suits your needs.

Once you have a list of potential professionals, it’s important to contact them directly to inquire about their availability and ensure they are currently accepting new patients. Additionally, consider factors such as their specialties, experience, and therapeutic approach to find a professional who aligns with your specific needs.

Remember, if you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, please reach out to emergency services or a helpline in your country right away. They can provide you with immediate assistance.

I left the chat by saying I felt better. I still had this lingering fear that the program would be calling 911 in the background. So far, no one has called me or showed up at my door to provide assistance.

GPT: I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling a bit better, but it’s important to prioritize your well-being. If you ever find yourself in need of support or if your feelings become overwhelming, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the appropriate resources. Take care of yourself and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. Wishing you all the best.

Connect with a real human for real help

I can see the toll of mental illness in my own neighbourhood. Just this morning I cautiously followed a man who was obviously disturbed, walking near my son’s school. A friend and I were ready to call the non-emergency police line to intervene if he became violent, but luckily he didn’t.

This is just one example of many. There has always been mentally ill behaviour on the streets, but I’m seeing more prevalence in recent years. I believe it’s lack of access to mental health care, as well as lack of resources to afford medications. Canada has “universal healthcare”, but you’re still on the hook for many drugs outside a hospital setting.

The bottom line is that no one should use AI as a replacement for a doctor if they’re experiencing a mental health crisis. There are (hopefully) resources you can find with a quick Google search, unless you’re in a remote community.

As ChatGPT suggested, you can also reach out to a trusted friend or family member, who can intervene on your behalf.

I do experience bouts of depression, and some of them cause physical ailments (and vice versa.) However, I’m lucky to have a human network to keep an eye on me.

I’ve never been in a desperate situation where I actively wanted to take my own life, but it’s fairly common, especially among men that fit my demographic in the U.S.

In the future, perhaps models like ChatGPT will be able to provide more assistance to those in crisis, and connect them with a human therapist.

In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out — mental illness is nothing to be embarrassed about.