Overview

• The first-ever clinical trial of a generative AI therapy chatbot, Therabot, showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and body image concerns among participants.
• Therabot users experienced a 51% decrease in depressive symptoms, a 31% reduction in anxiety, and a 19% improvement in body image issues, comparable to traditional therapy outcomes.
• The chatbot, designed with input from psychologists, uses cognitive behavioral therapy principles and includes safety features like crisis intervention tools.
• Participants spent an average of six hours with Therabot, forming therapeutic bonds and reporting high engagement, particularly during late-night hours and moments of distress.
• Researchers caution that AI tools like Therabot require clinician oversight to mitigate risks and are not ready for autonomous use in mental health care.