Therapists’ attitudes towards the use of AI in therapeutic practice: considering the therapeutic alliance
Open accessAbstract
Purpose: The aim of this research is to gain an insight into the attitudes that therapists, both qualified and trainee, have towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI)/machine therapy in therapeutic practice. The paper also aims to gain an insight into attitudes towards machine therapy and the potential of developing a therapeutic alliance with a machine therapist. Design/methodology/approach: A short questionnaire was developed to gauge therapists and trainee therapists’ attitudes towards machine therapy. The questionnaire included a scenario for participants to read and then respond to questions on the therapeutic alliance using questions based upon those asked on the working alliance short inventory scale. At the end of the questionnaire, there was also the opportunity for participants to respond to an open-ended question. Findings: It is evident from the responses that there is a clear reservation about the use of AI technology within the therapeutic setting. In spite of this reticence, many participants recognised the potential and are open to the possibilities this technology can bring. It was notable that the therapists largest concern was about the potential to create a strong bond with a machine therapist. Originality/value: This paper presents findings on therapists’ attitudes towards AI use within therapeutic practice and machine therapy. Whilst limited in scope, it provides a yardstick for considering the way that attitudes towards these emerging technologies might change in the future.
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A recent survey showed clear reservations among therapists towards AI.
“A recent survey showed clear reservations among therapists towards AI66.”
From “It happened to be the perfect thing”: experiences of generative AI chatbots for mental health (2024) · cites this paper as [66]
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“…believe AI can increase access to care, allow individuals to disclose embarrassing information more comfortably, continuously re fi ne therapeutic techniques 69 , they have concerns about privacy and the formation of a strong therapeutic bond with machine-based therapeutic interventions 70 .”
Background“It happened to be the perfect thing”: experiences of generative AI chatbots for mental health
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Does the Digital Therapeutic Alliance Exist? Integrative Review
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- Authors
- Prescott, J., & Hanley, T.
- Affiliations
- The University of Law (GB)
- University of Manchester (GB)
- Venue
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion
- Publisher
- Emerald
- Published
- 2023-04-26
- Volume
- 27
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 177-185
- ISSN
- 2042-8308 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4366990156
- Cited by
- 49
- References
- 17
- Citations by year
- 2026: 22 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 11
- FWCI
- 14.30
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- Locations
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion (publishedVersion)
- University of Law: Publications Repository (submittedVersion)
- Research Explorer (The University of Manchester) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Social Robot Interaction and HRI
- Keywords
- artificial intelligence in therapy, therapist attitudes, therapeutic relationship, human-AI relationship, trainee therapists, technology acceptance
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