Illinois Becomes First to Outlaw AI Mental Health Help

If you were considering having artificial intelligence help you through a difficult mental struggle, you now can't ask for AI's help in Illinois.

While looking through the always insightful Illinois sub-Reddit, I noticed the share of an interesting development in mental health. It's a story confirmed by ZME Science that Illinois just became the first state to restrict AI therapy. It's officially known as the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act officially known as HB1806. Here's part of the exact wording of that Illinois bill:

"Provides that a licensed professional may use an artificial intelligence system only to the extent the use of the artificial intelligence system meets the definition of permitted use of artificial intelligence systems. Provides that a licensed professional may not use an artificial intelligence system in therapy or psychotherapy services to make independent therapeutic decisions, directly interact with clients in any form of therapeutic communication, or generate therapeutic recommendations or treatment plans without the review and approval by a licensed professional."

What happens if you use AI to handle therapy to a patient in Illinois?

The bill says penalties can total up to $10,000 if you're caught using robots to do what a trained mental health professional does. Ouch.

I normally stay muted on politics, especially in Illinois, but I think this is a good move. AI has not proven to be safe and reliable to a level where you can trust it to help someone through mental health challenges. Hopefully other states will follow Illinois' lead in regulating robots from doing what only doctors should do.