By Dr. Katerina Rozakis, PhD, LCSW, BCIM | Insight Wellness Center- Psychotherapist
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a growing presence in many fields, including mental health.
AI platforms now offer various forms of support, such as chatbot-driven cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) exercises and virtual counseling interfaces. These innovations hold potential to
enhance accessibility and support within mental health care, but as we move forward, it is crucial
to recognize both the advantages and limitations of AI, as well as the importance of the human
connection at the heart of therapy.!
At Insight Wellness Center, we currently prioritize personalized care where each client is guided
through the intake process by our intake coordinator, who speaks directly with them and matches
them with the most appropriate therapist. While AI may assist in some areas of mental health, we
believe the therapeutic relationship is irreplaceable and central to the healing process.
The Benefits of AI in Mental Health
AI can enhance mental health care by increasing access to resources, especially for individuals
who may face barriers to traditional therapy due to geography, time constraints, or concerns
about stigma. AI platforms can provide immediate, self-guided mental health support, helping
individuals manage anxiety, depression, and other challenges when a therapist may not be
available.!
AI is also highly effective at processing large amounts of data, enabling it to recognize patterns
that may help identify mental health concerns early. For instance, AI can be used to assist in
screening by analyzing text inputs or behaviors that might indicate depression, anxiety, or other
conditions. However, AI’s role in these cases is to supplement care by guiding individuals to seek
professional help—it is not a replacement for human intervention.
Preserving Human Connection in Therapy
The true power of therapy lies in the human connection, known as the “therapeutic relationship.
This relationship is built on trust, empathy, and understanding—qualities that AI, no matter how
advanced, cannot replicate. Research shows that the quality of the relationship between the
therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. It is within
this trusting relationship that clients feel safe to explore difficult emotions and work toward
healing.!
At Insight Wellness Center, we believe deeply in the value of this therapeutic bond. While we
remain open to integrating AI into our practice in the future, we are committed to ensuring that it
supports, rather than diminishes, this essential human element. AI may help with tasks such as
documentation and administrative work, allowing our clinicians to dedicate more time to their
clients, but it will never replace the one-on-one connection that fosters true healing.!
The Future of AI at Insight Wellness Center
Our approach to AI will always prioritize the well-being of our clients. Any future integration of AI
will be thoughtfully considered to ensure that it complements the therapeutic process rather than
taking away from it. We believe AI can serve as a helpful tool for managing the administrative side
of therapy, allowing clinicians to have more meaningful interactions with their clients. By
incorporating AI in this way, we hope to improve the overall client experience while maintaining
the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.!
Ethical Considerations and the Importance of Human Oversight
While AI offers potential benefits, it also raises important ethical concerns. AI lacks the ability to truly understand complex
emotions or adapt to the unique nuances of each individual’s experience. It operates based on algorithms that may have
inherent biases or limitations, and without careful oversight, there is a risk of relying too heavily on technology in situations
that require human sensitivity and empathy.!
Another key concern is the handling of sensitive mental health data. As AI systems collect and process personal information,
it is crucial to ensure that this data is protected and used responsibly. Insight Wellness Center is committed to maintaining
the highest standards of confidentiality and will take every precaution to protect client information if AI is ever integrated into
our practice.without careful oversight, there is a risk of relying too heavily on technology in situations that require human
sensitivity and empathy.!
Moving Forward with AI and Mental Health Care
As we look to the future, it is clear that AI will continue to play a role in mental health care,
particularly in areas such as preliminary screening, documentation, and offering resources
between therapy sessions. However, we must proceed with caution. AI should be seen as a tool
that enhances, not replaces, the essential human elements of care—trust, empathy, and the deep
understanding that comes from genuine human connection.!
At Insight Wellness Center, http://InsightWellnessCenter.com, we are dedicated to a balanced approach. We believe that
while AI may assist with certain tasks, the heart of therapy will always lie in the therapeutic relationship
between the client and the therapist. Our goal is to continue providing personalized,
compassionate care that honors each client’s unique journey toward healing.!
If you’re interested in learning more about our approach to mental health care at Insight Wellness
Center, feel free to contact us or visit our website. We are committed to offering the best care
possible, grounded in the belief that healing is most effective when it is rooted in human
connection and individualized attention.!
