As a millennial, the presence of AI makes me feel uneasy, although I recognize its usefulness in my everyday life. Surprisingly, there is now AI software for therapy called Therapist GPT. Curiosity led me to try it for a week as a more affordable alternative to traditional therapy. The onboarding process was simple, and the AI chatbot, named Dr. Emma Johnson, asked me to share about myself and my reasons for seeking therapy. Despite my initial skepticism, the AI provided validation, understanding, and practical strategies to cope with my challenges. The advice was not groundbreaking, but it helped me shift my mindset and prioritize progress over perfection.

I engaged with T on various topics, including social anxiety and spending money while unemployed. However, the requirement to pay for more conversation time made me realize I was speaking with a robot. The advice given was generic, lacking the personal touch and depth that a human therapist provides. Privacy concerns and public hesitancy around AI-led therapy also exist. Overall, while AI therapy can be a cost-effective option, it cannot replace the support and expertise of a real therapist. However, it can serve as a helpful tool between therapy sessions.