Boyko O.M., Medvedeva T.I., Vorontsova O.Yu., Enikolopov S.N. ChatGPT in psychotherapy and counseling: discussion of possibilities and limitations
Olga M. Boyko, Research Associate, Department of Medical Psychology, Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia; bld. 34, Kashirskoye hw., Moscow, Russia, 115522; olga.m.boyko@gmail.com
Tatiana I. Medvedeva, Research Associate, Department of Medical Psychology, Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia; bld. 34, Kashirskoye hw., Moscow, Russia, 115522; medvedeva.ti@gmail.com
Oksana Yu. Vorontsova, Research Associate, Department of Medical Psychology, Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia; bld. 34, Kashirskoye hw., Moscow, Russia, 115522; okvorontsova@inbox.ru
Sergei N. Enikolopov, Ph.D (Psychology), Department of Medical Psychology, Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia; bld. 34, Kashirskoye hw., Moscow, Russia, 115522; enikolopov@mail.ru
This article provides an overview of current research on the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of mental health. An analysis of current publications on the use of chatbots (in particular ChatGPT) in psychological, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric practice is presented. The results of a small empirical study are presented, the purpose of which was to analyze ChatGPT responses to requests for psychological help and information about psychiatric diagnoses and medication. The complexity of the questions varied.
The advantages, disadvantages and limitations of using ChatGPT in psychotherapeutic practice, psychological counseling are discussed.
The analysis of publications and the results of the study show that AI can currently be used in supporting psychotherapy, especially in situations where access to specialists is limited. AI can complement traditional mental health care by reducing the significance of important limitations such as cost, risk of stigma, and organizational problems. Chatbots can provide immediate support, offer coping tips, and suggest relaxation techniques to help people cope between therapy sessions and outside of work hours.
However, the current development of AI does not allow it to be considered as a replacement for the mental health professional. Research is needed on the long-term efficacy and safety of AI interventions, addressing issues related to preserving the memory of 'previous interactions', eliminating algorithmic bias, the ability to show “curiosity”, the ability to use a variety of psychotherapy methods, and most importantly, addressing the ethical issues associated with the use of AI. AI lacks genuine empathy, ethical judgment, and the ability to interpret nonverbal cues, qualities that human therapists possess.
Key words: psychotherapy, psychological counselling, robot psychologist, AI (Artificial Intelligence), ChatGPT, chatbot
For citation: Boyko, O.M., Medvedeva, T.I., Vorontsova, O.Yu., Enikolopov, S.N. (2025). ChatGPT in psychotherapy and counseling: discussion of possibilities and limitations. New Psychological Research, No. 1, 26–55. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2025_05_01_02
Keywords: psychotherapy psychological counselling robot psychologist AI (Artificial Intelligence) ChatGPT chatbot
Received: 08th april 2025
Published: 08th april 2025