When Patients Turn to AI: What Happens When Chatbots Enter the Care Journey?

Session Description: Patients are already using general-purpose chatbots and AI companions for emotional support, advice, self-assessment, and crisis-related conversations outside the formal care setting. This session will explore how those interactions are influencing treatment, disclosure, patient expectations, clinical risk, and the therapeutic relationship. Panelists will examine why some patients may be more open with AI than with a clinician, whether those insights can be used to strengthen human care, and where chatbot use creates serious safety, ethical, regulatory, or liability concerns. The discussion will also address how behavioral health professionals can preserve human connection as AI becomes more present in the patient journey.