Psychologists have sounded the alarm over AI chatbots providing mental health advice to people, dubbing the information “unqualified and harmful”.

A survey conducted by the British Psychological Society (BPS) found that psychologists have noted a 49% increase in the number of patients seeking support from chatbots in the past year.

The poll, involving 197 participants comprised of psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists, found that seven in 10 are somewhat or very concerned about the use of AI for mental health advice.

Nearly 88% (nine in 10) sounded the alarm that patients are relying too heavily on AI, while around 76% of survey participants said the technology is negatively affecting the mental wellbeing of their clients.

Some 80% told the survey they are concerned clients are becoming overly reliant on the technology, while around three quarters (76%) said it is negatively affecting client wellbeing.

Psychologists reported a huge increase in patients turning to AI for mental health advice…