About this episode
The episode explores the implications of using chatbots like ChatGPT for therapy and emotional support.
What happens when your therapist is… a chatbot? For KQED health reporter Lesley McClurg, it started with a late-night spiral over dating. Instead of texting a friend, she opened ChatGPT and got the kind of calm, reassuring advice she needed. It worked… maybe a little too well. Lesley joins Morgan to dig into the rise of AI therapy, why so many people are turning to chatbots for emotional support, and what they might be risking in the process. These systems promise something traditional mental health care often can’t: instant, affordable, judgment-free access. But there are limits and, sometimes, serious consequences. Note: This episode includes discussions of suicide and mental health conditions. Listener discretion is advised. This episode first aired on April 23rd, 2025 Guest: Lesley McClurg, KQED health correspondent Further Reading/Listening: Can AI Replace Your Therapist? The Benefits, Risks and Unsettling Truths - Lesley McClurg, KQED The AI therapist can see you now - Katia Riddle, NPR Woebot, a Mental-Health Chatbot, Tries Out Generative AI - Casey Sackett, Devin Harper, and Aaron Pavez, IEEE Spectrum AI Prophets and Spiritual Delusions — Close All Tabs New Studies Reveal…
People in this episode
Host: Morgan
Guest: Lesley McClurg
Topics covered
- AI therapy
- mental health
- chatbots
- emotional support
- technology
- society
Keywords
- AI therapy
- chatbots
- mental health
- emotional support
- KQED
- Lesley McClurg
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: KQED, NPR, IEEE Spectrum, Psychology Today
Products: ChatGPT
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