California Bill Would Restrict AI Chatbots as Mental Health Therapists
Legislation awaiting Assembly vote aims to add guardrails for AI chatbots in mental health roles.
California lawmakers are advancing a bill that would place new restrictions on AI chatbots, specifically preventing them from acting as therapists or mental health providers. The legislation is currently awaiting a vote in the state Assembly.
The measure is designed to 'place guardrails' around AI-driven mental health tools, which have become more common as people increasingly turn to chatbots for emotional support. The proposal would establish boundaries for how these systems can interact with users seeking help.
What the bill would do
- Prevent AI chatbots from providing mental health therapy or counseling without proper oversight.
- Require clearer safeguards for users who rely on chatbots for emotional support.
- Await an Assembly vote in California.
The bill is part of a broader regulatory push around artificial intelligence, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare. If passed, California would join other efforts to address the growing role of conversational AI in mental health support.