Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Therapists ?
- mathieuderossi2
- Jul 21
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 26
Introduction
With the rise of artificial intelligence in the field of mental health, one question keeps coming up: Will AI replace psychologists?
This technological shift raises legitimate concerns, shared by care professionals, patients, and anyone concerned with the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
Before we created Hello Palo, we too asked ourselves this: why introduce AI into such a sensitive field, and how can we do it without weakening what makes it valuable?
We came to the conviction that this opposition between humans and AI is a false debate. They are not meant to replace each other, but to complement each other. One is not superior to the other; they serve different needs.
This article explores what each can offer, how they differ, and why their complementarity is a real opportunity to improve the quality and accessibility of mental health support.
What AI Can Bring to Mental Health
Freeing Speech and Breaking Taboos
While it can be difficult or intimidating to open up to a therapist or coach, artificial intelligence removes the barrier of shyness and makes it easier to open up. Talking about psychological struggles remains sensitive: 3 out of 4 French people say they are afraid to consult a psychologist, and 87% prefer not to talk about their issues with family (Source: YouGov). A conversational AI can act like an interactive diary. It creates a confidential space that encourages release, without judgment, listening and guiding. This setting also allows for greater honesty: In a 2015 study of over 500 therapy patients, more than 90% admitted to lying at least once to their therapist (Source: Counselling Psychology Quarterly), often out of embarrassment or fear of being misunderstood. In this context, AI can become a more honest space, where the lack of human gaze allows for freer, sometimes more authentic, expression.
Recent studies confirm that AI can be perceived as particularly empathetic. In a blind experiment with 556 participants, AI responses were rated 16% more compassionate than human ones, and preferred in 68% of cases (Source: Communication Psychology). These findings suggest that AI can credibly meet the growing need for emotional support, especially in situations where judgment-free expression is essential.
Support Available Anytime
Unlike human consultations, which often require several days to schedule—with an average wait of 9 days in France for a first appointment (Source: Fondation Fondamental)—specialized AI is instantly available, 24/7. It allows users to express their difficulties as they arise, without delay, without interruption, and without being bound by limited time slots.
This constant availability is especially valuable during fragile moments, when the need for support can appear unexpectedly—at night, on weekends, or during
stressful periods.
Making Support More Affordable
Mental distress costs businesses an average of 3,000 euros per employee per year (Source: Deloitte), due to absenteeism, turnover, and disengagement. This cost rises further since mental disorders now account for 28% of long-term sick leave in France (Source: DARES). In this context, AI does not replace psychologists: it steps in where professionals are no longer enough. It provides immediate support, on a large scale, acting as a psychological safety net for those who don’t have access to or hesitate to consult a professional. On an individual level, cost can also be a barrier: a session with a psychologist costs an average of 64 euros (Source: Observatoire de la psychologie), and up to 95 euros in some regions (Source: psychologue.net).
Conversely, intelligent solutions offer more affordable support, in both cost and availability, especially for people far from traditional care systems.
AI Can Be Enough to Trigger Change
AI can offer a first level of support, help identify distress—and that first step can be enough to resolve a blockage. Some people find in their exchange with specialized AI the clarity, insights, and exercises needed to move forward. In these cases, AI is not just an introduction—it can trigger real change. And this is not rare. Many people using these tools would never have entered a therapist’s office anyway. In France, only 7% of people have ever undergone psychotherapy (Source: Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique). AI thus fills an unmet need, providing concrete, structured support without necessarily involving a human therapist.
Choosing the Right Approach Depends on the Initial Need
The relevance of seeing a human therapist or using AI depends above all on the nature of the initial need. Some people primarily want to understand what’s blocking them, identify dysfunctional patterns, or test new approaches to situations. In such cases, the need isn’t necessarily relational or emotional—it’s pragmatic and solution-oriented. A specialized AI can be enough. It guides, structures, and offers concrete tasks—sometimes exactly what’s needed. In short, people don’t always seek a listening ear—sometimes they need a compass.
This doesn’t exclude human support, but it shows that some help doesn’t require a human connection to be effective.
A Framed Use of AI to Prevent Overuse
Like any relational tool, AI can generate strong attachment—even emotional dependency. At Hello Palo, we include safeguards, such as time-limited sessions, prompts to reflect, and reminders to stay autonomous. The goal is to avoid overuse and maintain a focused, occasional support framework.
The Irreplaceable Value of Human Connection
Sometimes Only Human Presence Can Bring Relief
In cases of deep emotional distress, or when the goal is primarily to be with someone, human connection remains essential. Sometimes, only another human being’s presence—someone capable of emotional resonance—can soothe suffering. In these cases, the therapeutic relationship itself is the main driver of change. Professionals intervene when connection, relationship, and clinical expertise are central. Everyone has a place where they are most helpful, depending on the person’s specific needs.
A Therapist Senses the Invisible
A human therapist can detect emotional or physical micro-signals, often invisible in simple written or verbal exchanges. They can contain intense emotions, help with complex trauma. Beyond words, they use silence, gaze, and body language to foster safety and trust.
When Mental Distress Requires Medical Care
Some cases go beyond routine mental health support and require specialized medical care. Severe psychiatric conditions—such as major depressive episodes, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal ideation—need thorough clinical assessment, medication, or hospitalization. In these cases, only a licensed health professional, such as a psychiatrist, can provide effective care. No matter how advanced, AI cannot diagnose psychiatric disorders or implement appropriate treatment strategies.
Human professionals are essential for diagnosis and complex therapeutic support.
AI Isn’t (Just) ChatGPT!
An AI Built with Therapists: A Mark of Quality
Unlike general-purpose AIs like ChatGPT, which are built to answer all kinds of queries, a specialized mental health AI follows a precise protocol. It is trained on a specific therapeutic method, such as the Palo Alto model, and supervised by professionals. It doesn’t offer open-ended responses, but a structured progression: problem understanding, emotional identification, action proposals. This structure ensures safety, consistency, and respect for the user. Moreover, “finding solutions to personal problems” is now one of the top uses of generative AI (Source: IPSOS). This real need requires high standards: to offer solutions that are reliable, secure, and truly helpful.
A specialized AI operates within a clear, limited framework—unlike generalist AIs that may lack reliability on sensitive issues.
AI Brings New Patients to Therapists
Contrary to popular belief, therapeutic AIs do not compete with human psychologists. Instead, they can support and grow their practice. When they offer a referral to a human professional, they make consultation more accessible.
They serve as triage tools, directing users—often more aware of their issues and already engaged in self-reflection—toward human support. This results in professionals receiving clients already in a proactive mindset. Thus, AIs that facilitate human connection don’t replace therapists—they help expand their reach by enabling more effective connections. They build a bridge, guiding users who are often clearer about their needs into appropriate follow-up care.
The Diversity of Mental Health Tools: From Standardized Apps to Personalized Support
Let’s not forget that digital tools for mental health existed long before AI came on the scene. For years, millions have used apps offering relaxation, meditation, or stress management exercises. In the U.S., for example, 40% of people with mental health issues use smartphone apps (Source: Digital Health). Yet these solutions are often standardized: they offer the same content to everyone, with little individual adaptation. Conversational AI radically changes this model. It introduces a dynamic dialogue that adjusts in real time to the user’s responses and emotions, enabling a far more personalized experience. Of course, that AI must avoid generic advice or simulated empathy. Some solutions, too broad or poorly designed, create the illusion of support without real depth or progress. In contrast, an AI grounded in a solid therapeutic framework can guide real introspection and offer coherent support.
It’s the difference between receiving a generic exercise list and being accompanied through a tailored, structured journey.
In Conclusion...
No, artificial intelligence will not replace psychologists. It enhances mental health support by offering effective tools—accessible anytime, to anyone. It also opens new avenues, especially for those seeking quick, discreet, structured, problem-solving support.
Choosing the right tool depends on the need. If one seeks connection or human presence, AI is not the answer. If one seeks insight, new understanding, or action strategies, a specialized AI can be an excellent ally.
At Hello Palo, our approach is responsible: we set clear usage boundaries, define specific scopes, and encourage human support when needed.
We believe in a balanced alliance—where AI is a tool, never an end in itself. To us, this partnership between human expertise and technological capability is key to tackling today’s mental health challenges.
