Illinois Joins Utah and Nevada in Banning AI from Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment

The state of Illinois has joined Utah and Nevada in placing strict limits on the use of artificial intelligence in mental health care, becoming the latest to ban AI systems from diagnosing, treating, or improving an individual’s mental or behavioral health unless supervised by a licensed physician. The new law reflects growing concerns about the safety, accuracy, and ethical implications of using AI in sensitive psychological care. Dr. Gail Salts, an associate professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell School of Medicine, discussed the issue on CBS News. She emphasized the potential risks of relying on AI for mental health services, particularly when it comes to misdiagnosis, lack of emotional nuance, and the absence of human judgment in high-stakes situations. “AI tools can assist in data analysis or symptom tracking, but they are not equipped to understand the complex emotional and contextual factors that are central to mental health treatment,” Dr. Salts said. “A licensed clinician brings empathy, ethical judgment, and clinical experience that no algorithm can replicate.” The move by Illinois, Utah, and Nevada underscores a broader national debate over how and when AI should be integrated into healthcare. While AI has shown promise in supporting mental health initiatives—such as chatbots for early screening or monitoring mood patterns—regulators are wary of allowing fully autonomous systems to make clinical decisions. Experts warn that unregulated AI therapy could exacerbate disparities in care, especially for vulnerable populations, and may fail to account for cultural, social, or linguistic nuances. There are also concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for over-reliance on technology in emotionally complex settings. As more states consider similar legislation, the focus remains on ensuring that AI serves as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human clinicians. The consensus among mental health professionals is clear: while technology can enhance access and efficiency, the core of effective therapy still lies in the human connection.