New Survey Reveals Professional Counselors Concerns About Consumers Use of AI for Mental Health Therapy

Alexandria, Va. (March 18, 2026) — With the rising popularity of artificial intelligence, consumers today are increasingly turning to AI for assistance in a variety of ways, including for mental health support. The American Counseling Association (ACA) recently collaborated with NBC News New York to survey more than 770 professional counselors to get their perspectives about these technologies. In addition, the survey, which also polled more than 2,000 members of the American Psychiatric Association, looked at how consumers are currently using AI for mental health.

The survey explored AI usage for addiction, depression, grief, romance, and more. Results revealed that while professional counselors agree that AI can, in some situations, serve as a helpful tool to supplement therapy, they say it cannot replace a human therapist.

“AI is here to stay, but it’s important to recognize that the technology is still in its infancy,” says Olivia Uwamahoro, a licensed professional counselor and co-chair of the ACA Work Group on AI. “While chatbots can be beneficial in providing mental health support in certain situations, such as supporting the work clients do during therapy, AI tools cannot replace the empathy and nuanced expertise of a professionally trained counselor.” Uwamahoro urged caution when using AI, noting that it should not, for example, be used during a crisis situation or to diagnosis a mental health condition.

OVERALL FINDINGS

How Consumers are Using AI

• More than 52% of consumers have used AI to self-diagnose mental health conditions. ​
• Nearly 48% have used AI in place of a professional counselor. ​

Counselors Perceptions of AI

• Nearly 71% believe AI will decrease overall mental health.
• More than 42% disagree that AI therapy platforms will effectively help people struggling with addiction.
• More than 38% disagree regarding the effectiveness of AI in treating depression.

Counselors Concerns About AI

• More than 53% strongly agree that AI agents can lead to increased social withdrawal.
• Nearly 46% believe AI chatbots may affirm dangerous sentiments.
• 77% expressed concern over the exploitation risks associated with romantic relationships with AI chatbots.

Uwamahoro emphasized that developers and counselors need to work together to ensure AI technologies are safe and do not cause harm to consumers.

Furthermore, Uwamahoro stressed the importance of protecting consumers privacy and ensuring any information a consumer provides to an AI app is secure. “Many consumers don’t realize that when they turn to an AI app for mental health support, their information may not be protected.” Contrast that, she says, to a professional organization like ACA, whose members must abide by ethics and professional standards, which include a Code of Ethics that requires counselors to protect the confidential information of prospective and current clients.

Click here for a full copy of the survey; or more information about ACA’s AI recommendations.

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About the American Counseling Association
Founded in 1952, the American Counseling Association (ACA) is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. ACA represents more than 62,000 members and is the world’s largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Driven by the belief that all people can benefit from the power of counseling, ACA’s mission is to promote the professional development of counselors, advocate for counselors, and ensure that ethical, culturally inclusive practices protect our members’ clients and all people who seek counseling services. For more information, visit the ACA website and follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky and YouTube.