If not carefully implemented, AI risks turning mental health care into an efficiency-driven, surveillance-heavy system, rather than one built on trust, empathy, and ethical responsibility. At Careshaper, we believe AI should empower therapists, not replace them—ensuring technology serves both therapists and clients, rather than the other way around.
This article breaks down the study’s key findings into actionable insights for therapists, mental health professionals, and stakeholders. More importantly, it explores how AI can be developed to enhance, rather than diminish, the therapist-client relationship and uphold fundamental human rights.
How AI can strengthen mental health care
AI is already reshaping mental health services in promising ways. When used wisely, it can complement therapy without compromising the human connection at its core.
Less time on paperwork, more time for people
One of AI’s greatest strengths is handling administrative tasks, allowing therapists to focus more on their clients. AI-powered tools can help:
- Transcribe therapy sessions, so therapists can fully engage in conversations without worrying about taking notes
- Organize case files and client records for easier access and efficiency
- Identify patterns in a client’s progress, helping tailor treatment plans to individual needs
🔹 What this means for therapists: AI should free up time for deeper, more meaningful conversations with clients, ensuring technology supports—not replaces—the therapist’s role.
More personalized, data-driven care
AI can analyze patterns in therapy sessions and suggest personalized approaches to improve care. This can help:
- Detect early warning signs of a crisis, such as changes in speech or behavior
- Recommend exercises and coping strategies tailored to each client’s progress
- Provide therapists with insights that refine and improve treatment plans
🔹 What this means for therapists: AI can support therapists by offering useful insights, but it should never dictate care. The therapist’s expertise, empathy, and intuition remain irreplaceable.
Bridging the gaps between sessions
Clients often struggle to stay engaged in their therapy outside of scheduled sessions. AI can offer tools that help them remain connected to their treatment, such as:
- Mood and behavior tracking apps that help clients reflect on their progress
- Gentle reminders to practice coping strategies discussed in therapy
- Personalized guidance based on therapy goals, ensuring continuous support
🔹 What this means for therapists: AI can help clients stay committed to their therapeutic journey—but it should never take the place of human support and understanding.
The hidden risks of AI in mental health
While AI presents exciting possibilities, it also carries risks that could seriously impact both therapists and clients. Here are the biggest concerns raised by the Mental Health Europe study:
🔹 Privacy and data security – AI processes highly sensitive mental health data. Without strict safeguards, there’s a real risk of misuse by insurers, employers, or unauthorized third parties. We must ensure that AI respects client confidentiality and complies with GDPR and AI Act regulations.
🔹 Loss of human empathy – Therapy isn’t just about techniques—it’s about trust, intuition, and deep human understanding. AI can assist, but it cannot replace the warmth, nuance, and connection that a skilled therapist brings to the table.
🔹 Bias and inequality – AI learns from data, and if that data contains biases, AI will reinforce them. This could mean inaccurate diagnoses, unfair treatment recommendations, and further marginalization of vulnerable communities. AI must be carefully designed to avoid reinforcing existing inequalities.
🔹 Surveillance and ethical risks – Some AI tools used for crisis detection raise concerns about excessive monitoring. Without proper oversight, AI could lead to unjustified interventions, privacy breaches, or even forced treatments based on flawed algorithms.
How to ensure AI works for mental health, not against it
The Mental Health Europe study highlights key principles to ensure AI remains a tool for good in therapy:
- AI should support, not replace, human connection – Technology must be designed to enhance therapy, allowing therapists to spend more time with clients, not less.
- Transparency and data protection are non-negotiable – Clients and therapists need clear information on how AI is being used, who has access to their data, and what safeguards are in place.
- Lived experience should shape AI development – People with direct experience in mental health care—both professionals and clients—must be actively involved in designing AI tools to ensure they meet real-world needs.
- AI must be fair and accessible to everyone – Systems must be tested for bias and designed to be inclusive, ensuring that no community is left behind.
At Careshaper, we stand firmly by these principles. Our AI tools are built to protect privacy, enhance—not replace—the therapeutic process, and keep human connection at the heart of mental health care.
Join the conversation: help shape the future of AI in therapy
AI in mental health is still evolving, and its success depends on collaboration with therapists and mental health professionals like you.
🔹 What are your thoughts on AI in therapy?
🔹 What concerns or hopes do you have?
🔹 How can AI best support your work while preserving the integrity of therapy?
Be part of the future—join our AI testing program!
We’re looking for therapists who want to test AI-driven tools that enhance therapy while keeping the human connection at the center. If you’re interested in trying new AI features—like transcription tools designed to support, not replace, your work—we’d love to hear from you!
💬 Let’s start a conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments if you see this article on LinkedIn or reach out to us.