Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving relationship between AI and mental health support, questioning whether AI can outperform human therapists in providing emotional assistance and exploring the implications of this shift for the mental health industry [5][8]. Group 1: AI's Role in Mental Health - AI is increasingly being used as a temporary emotional support tool, with over a million users on Chat GPT expressing suicidal tendencies or emotional attachment [5]. - Compared to traditional therapy, AI offers low-cost, 24/7 access, making emotional support more accessible [5][6]. - The emergence of AI could bridge the gap between professional therapy and emotional companionship, creating a new service paradigm [7][8]. Group 2: Development of AI in Therapy - Simple Psychology, founded by Jian Lili, has integrated AI into its services, initially focusing on enhancing the skills of human therapists rather than commercializing AI products [11][12]. - The AI assistant launched by Simple Psychology has shown that 70% of users engage with it for emotional support, indicating a willingness to use AI for mental health needs [16][17]. - Users perceive AI as a stable and trustworthy entity, often more so than human therapists, due to the controllable nature of AI interactions [17][18]. Group 3: Limitations and Future Directions - While AI can perform well in short consultations, it struggles with the long-term engagement required in traditional therapy settings [18][20]. - The traditional structure of therapy, which includes fixed times and safe spaces, is challenged by the 24/7 availability of AI, necessitating a redefinition of how AI therapy is structured [20][21]. - Future AI products in mental health are expected to evolve into a new paradigm, potentially complementing human therapists rather than replacing them [28][34]. Group 4: Ethical Considerations and Market Dynamics - The mental health industry faces challenges in integrating AI, including ethical discussions and the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure user safety [36]. - There is a concern that AI could exacerbate existing issues in mental health care, particularly for vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for careful implementation [36]. - The market for AI in mental health is expected to grow, with a significant portion of users likely to prefer AI support over traditional therapy due to accessibility and cost [34][35].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential of AI to serve as a psychological support tool, comparing its capabilities to human therapists and exploring the implications of this shift in mental health care [3][5]. Group 1: AI's Role in Mental Health - AI is increasingly being used as a temporary emotional support tool, with over a million users on Chat GPT expressing suicidal tendencies or emotional attachment [3][4]. - The low cost, 24/7 availability, and non-judgmental nature of AI make it an attractive alternative to traditional therapy, which can be expensive and less accessible [3][4]. - The emergence of AI could bridge the gap between professional psychological counseling and casual emotional support, creating a new service paradigm [4][5]. Group 2: Development of AI in Psychological Services - Simple Psychology, founded by Jian Lili, has developed an AI consulting assistant aimed at enhancing the quality of psychological services while maintaining a clear distinction from casual emotional support products [4][10]. - The AI product is designed to facilitate deeper conversations rather than providing surface-level companionship, focusing on understanding the underlying emotional issues of users [12][13]. - Initial user feedback indicates a willingness to engage with AI for emotional support, with 70% of users using the AI assistant for emotional expression [13][14]. Group 3: Limitations and Future Directions - While AI can perform well in short consultations, its effectiveness in long-term therapy and maintaining context over multiple sessions remains uncertain [15][16]. - The traditional structure of therapy, which includes fixed time and space, is challenged by the 24/7 availability of AI, raising questions about how to create a safe and effective therapeutic environment [18][19]. - The future of AI in mental health is expected to evolve into a new paradigm, potentially complementing human therapists rather than replacing them [27][31]. Group 4: Accessibility and Inclusivity - AI has the potential to democratize access to mental health support, particularly for those who cannot afford traditional therapy or are not ready to seek professional help [22][24]. - The traditional psychological framework often excludes certain demographics, such as blue-collar workers, who may require more immediate and practical emotional support [23][24]. - AI can provide timely responses and emotional validation, serving as a bridge for those in need of support without the weight of formal therapy [25][26].