Local therapists discuss artificial intelligence in mental health
Local therapists discuss artificial intelligence in mental health
Publish Date: 2026-03-14 19:54:00
Source Domain: www.wgem.com
QUINCY (WGEM) – With more than 40 years of combined therapy experience, Malinda Vogel, a counselor at Midwest Counseling Services, and Tiffany Rains-Eaton, a counselor and social/behavioral sciences instructor at John Wood Community College, have seen their fair share of clients. But new data indicates younger generations may start trading traditional mental health counselors for something else.
A recent study published by JAMA Network indicates 13.1 percent (roughly one in eight) of adolescents and young adults in the U.S. have sought out mental health advice from generative AI.
Among those age 18 to 21, the rate increases to 22 percent.
For better or worse, AI is reshaping the way the world works, learns and lives, especially young people. Now, mental health therapists are the latest professionals to see the technology finding its way into the workplace.
AI models marketed as supplements or alternatives to traditional counseling are starting to gain traction.
Therapod AI, for example, offers a free AI chatbot and even sells AI-powered “wellness pods” for use at schools, hospitals, and businesses.
According to its website, the pods are meant to provide instant access to evidence-based support, including guided meditations and breathing exercises, but the technology is meant to “complement traditional therapy, not replace it.”
The website’s FAQ page also specifies the pods are not designed for crisis intervention.
The leap in automated technology is stoking discussions over AI’s implementation in the therapy field. Vogel and Rains-Eaton believe tools like Therapod could be helpful if used in concert with traditional counseling.
“It sounds like it’s really meant to supplement help from actual mental health professionals. So that part to me sounds really good,” Vogel said.
“We are in a crisis with a shortage of mental health providers right now. We know that. And if we can find ways to help bridge the gap to get people some treatment, but also not…
