My AI therapist got me through dark times: The good and bad of chatbot counselling
My AI therapist got me through dark times: The good and bad of chatbot counselling

With NHS mental health waitlists at record highs, are chatbots a possible solution?
Read the full article on BBC Health
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's accuracy is mixed. While the premise of exploring AI chatbots as a potential solution to mental health waitlists is valid, the article's overall accuracy is hampered by a lack of specific, verifiable claims and a reliance on anecdotal evidence. There's a moderate bias towards exploring the potential benefits of AI therapy, while downplaying potential risks and limitations.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** NHS mental health waitlists are at record highs. This is a general statement that is likely true, but the provided sources do not directly verify this specific claim. Internal knowledge suggests this is accurate, but without a specific source, it remains unverified within the provided materials.
- Claim:** AI chatbots are a possible solution to mental health waitlists. This is presented as a question, but the article leans towards exploring this possibility. Verification Source #4: discusses "apps that claim they can provide therapy," suggesting this is a debated topic. Verification Source #2: states "Woebot is not therapy, but good mental-health practice," indicating a distinction between AI tools and actual therapy.
- Claim:** (Implied) AI chatbots can provide effective mental health support. This is explored through anecdotal experiences. Verification Source #5: presents a user claiming "ChatGPT is better than my therapist," while Verification Source #3: argues "You need therapy, not AI." This highlights the conflicting opinions and lack of consensus on the effectiveness of AI chatbots as a replacement for traditional therapy.
- Claim:** (Implied) AI chatbots are readily available and accessible. This is not explicitly stated, but the article's premise implies this. The provided sources do not directly address the accessibility or cost of these AI tools.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Agreement:** There is agreement across several sources (Verification Source #2, Verification Source #4, Verification Source #5) that AI chatbots are being used for mental health support, whether as a supplement or alternative to traditional therapy.
- Disagreement:** There is disagreement on the effectiveness and appropriateness of using AI chatbots as a replacement for therapy. Verification Source #3: strongly advises against it, while Verification Source #5: presents a positive experience.
- Lack of Coverage:** The provided sources do not cover the specific claim about NHS mental health waitlists being at record highs. They also do not provide information on the cost or accessibility of AI chatbot therapy.