Illinois Bans AI Therapy Chatbots: What It Means for Mental Health Recovery
Mental Health in the News: August 2025 🕓 Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes Illinois Restricts AI Therapy: A Victory for Safe Mental Health Recovery Article Summary Illinois became the first U.S. state to ban AI chatbots from delivering mental health therapy or making clinical decisions. This landmark legislation prioritizes human oversight in mental health care, raising essential ethical questions as AI tools become more prevalent. Key Takeaway Illinois passed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources (WOPR) Act, which prohibits AI systems from providing therapy unless licensed professionals supervise them. Violations may result in fines up to $10,000. ( IDFPR , Axios ) What Is Happening? Background and Legislation Details AI-powered chatbots have surged in popularity, offering immediate, accessible mental health support, especially where traditional care is scarce. These tools can engage users with empathetic language, provide mood tracking, and offer mindfulness exercis...