Digital therapy apps and AI therapist ChatBots are growing in number, and tech companies are continually developing new ways to support people’s mental health. With the global mental health apps industry being estimated at $ 6.2 billion in 2023, and expecting to grow by 15.2% from 2024 to 2030, it’s no surprise that organisations are trying to develop cutting edge tools and technologies to capture some of that profit.
In the UK, the public sector has commissioned a number of digital mental health apps to provide low intensity mental health support to those in need, as well as the development of Limbic, an “AI-powered clinical assessment chatbot, which better connects patients to NHS psychological talking therapies”.
These solutions offer a valuable complement to talking therapies and clearly show potential in reducing the administrative burden and offering low-intensity support for those on waiting lists for an NHS Talking Therapies appointment.
Research shows, however, that it is the human connection in therapy that provides the basis for therapeutic efficacy.
81% of people in the UK are not likely to consider interacting with an AI chatbot over a human being for a therapy session
(Source: YouGov)
33% of people indicated a preference for human empathy in their reasons for not choosing a ChatBot, with others citing a lack of trust in handling delicate or complex topics, and a view of AI ChatBots being inadequate for addressing mental health issues
(Source: YouGov)
The vast majority (79.3%) of people agree that counselling & psychotherapy services are essential for mental health support
(Source: YouGov)
This campaign aims to build awareness of the importance of the human connection in therapy as a counterpoint to the growing use of digital platforms and AI ChatBots in the therapeutic space.
We emphasise the importance of choice, connection, and transparency to those purchasing or commissioning therapeutic services, and call for an increase in roles for human practitioners: not a reliance on technology to provide mental health support.
Digital and AI-powered tools, like apps and ChatBots, offer huge potential to complement human-powered talking therapy, however, it’s important to remember that there are limitations to the support they can offer.
We share insight from experts, including those in the field, in academia, and by experience, to highlight why the human connection in therapy is something we should be ringfencing and protecting within public and private sector commissioned services.
Decades of research show that it’s the therapeutic relationship that determines the efficacy of therapy. This connection gives clients a space to be vulnerable, the opportunity to be accepted, the chance to build trust, and to share their story through the broad spectrum of human modes of communication: things such as tone, body language, expression, gesture, humour, interjections, inarticulate sounds, implication, silence…
There is a unique risk involved in sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings with another human being; the power behind being unconditionally accepted by another person is transformative, and not something that can ever be created through code. You may be able to get a believable facsimile of a “person” as technology develops, but the physiological and neurological impact of talking to another human, especially in a face-to-face therapeutic context, is inimitable. Things such as empathy, warmth, and our shared human experience are so important for growth and healing.
Prioritise human practitioners in public funding and policies for mental health support, including policies that increase access to trained therapists and prioritise the therapeutic relationship. This includes ensuring that government funding for counselling training is appropriately allocated.
Establish guidelines and transparency for digital tools, including the limitations of such tools, ensuring service providers disclose the use of AI or digital tools and empower service users to make informed decisions about their care.
Commit to investing in research and infrastructure to satisfy those commissioning services of the factors for effective therapy, supported by the capacity to deliver timely access to effective, human-centred support from trained therapists
And, alongside CPCAB, we’re asking the government to:
Improve regulatory scrutiny on the delivery of live guided learning hours in accordance with regulatory definitions
We would love your support in advocating for the human connection, and the responsible use of technology in therapeutic services. Share your story with us, support our campaign on social media and in your own networks, or write to your MP or local commissioners of mental health services (we can help you with this if needed).
How you can get involved
Amplify the Campaign: if you see any of our posts on Social Media, please do share them to your networks.
Share your Knowledge: if you have any academic research of your own in this area, please do get in touch. We would be delighted to share it!
Connect Us: We’re always keen to talk to people about their experiences, so if you know anyone who has something to say about how they see the human connection in therapy – as a client or as a therapist – please do ask them to get in touch with us
Write for Us: If writing is your thing, we’d be thrilled to share your article or blog on our website. Don’t forget that writing articles counts towards your CPD, too.
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