Can I use ChatGPT as a psychologist? What the experts say about it

Artificial Intelligence is a tool that increasingly offers more solutions to everyday problems. For this reason, various platforms are being refined to offer immediate, anonymous, and constantly available answers , which is attractive to those who need guidance on mental health issues . Is this convenient or could it lead to further complications? This is what the experts said.

When asked whether artificial intelligence can be used as a psychologist, ChatGPT is categorical in stating that "it can be used as a conversational support space, but it cannot replace a professional psychologist."

"I can help you reflect, organize your thoughts, offer emotional management techniques (such as breathing or mindfulness), and provide you with psychologically based information. But there are important limits," warns the AI-based conversational platform.

ChatGPT notes that it can help you "talk about how you feel and explore your emotions, gain basic tools to manage stress, anxiety, or sadness, organize your thoughts before a professional consultation, and access explanations about psychological disorders or concepts."

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However, it explains that it is not suitable for “diagnosing mental health conditions, replacing a therapeutic relationship with a certified professional, managing psychological crises, suicidal thoughts, or serious situations, or for long-term therapeutic support.”

In conclusion, ChatGPT advises that “if you are going through something difficult, the healthiest thing to do is to talk to a qualified psychologist, therapist, or mental health professional.”

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According to the websites "Psychology and Mind" and "Psycho," there are several reasons to believe that mental health professionals cannot be replaced by Artificial Intelligence. Among them:

- Human empathy

Psychologists understand patients' emotions from a human perspective, establishing a meaningful therapeutic connection.

- Personalization of therapy

Psychologists tailor their approaches to each patient's needs, something AI can't match.

- Understanding the context

Therapy involves exploring the patient's life, including their history, relationships, and environment. Psychologists assess these factors holistically.

- Therapeutic relationship

Trust and collaboration are essential in therapy, elements that are difficult to achieve through technology.

- Observation of non-verbal signals

Psychologists perceive facial gestures and changes in tone of voice, which provide valuable information about the patient's emotional state.