The Artificial Third: Mental Health Risks and Benefits of AI Chatbots
An exploration of how AI chatbots are changing therapy
Overview
AI chatbots are now being used for emotional support by an estimated 25-50% of adults in the U.S.—systems that were not originally designed for this purpose. What psychological and technological mechanisms drive attachment to conversational AI, and when does supportive use tip into something clinically concerning?
In this module, we will examine four key domains of mental health risk: emotional dependence, reality-testing impairment, crisis safety, and systemic and ethical issues. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the evidence and a clinical framework for assessing AI chatbot use with their patients. The artificial third* has entered the room, and this course will help you recognize it.
*Term introduced by Yuval Haber, et al. 2024
Course Expires: Sep. 3, 2027
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
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Identify four key domains of clinical risk associated with AI chatbot use.
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Define AI sycophancy and AI hallucinations and explain how these phenomena contribute to psychological and safety risks.
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Recognize patterns of maladaptive or higher-risk AI chatbot use that warrant clinical inquiry or assessment.
Curriculum
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Introduction
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The Artificial Third: Mental Health Risks and Benefits of AI Chatbots
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Conclusion
About this course
- $35.00
- 1.5 hours of video content
Faculty Instructor
Marlynn Wei, MD, JD
Integrative Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist in Private Practice; Speaker, Author and Expert in AI and Mental Health
Dr. Marlynn Wei, MD, JD is a psychodynamic psychiatrist and author working at the intersection of AI, mental health, and ethics. Her work examines emerging clinical and ethical issues related to AI, including AI therapy, AI-associated delusions, and digital immortality. Dr. Wei has testified before the United States Congress on the mental health risks and benefits of AI chatbots. She maintains a psychotherapy practice in New York City and has a forthcoming book with MIT Press.
Continuing Education
Psychologists: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 1.5 continuing education credits.
Social Workers: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an Approved Provider #0038 of continuing education for licensed social workers. This course offers 1.5 contact hours. Social workers from other states should check with their individual board to confirm credit reciprocity with NY.
Counselors: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5444. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course meets the requirements for 1.5 continuing education hours, and is also applicable for Commonwealth of Massachusetts Counseling/Allied Mental Health accreditation for 1.5 credits.