Therabot AI Chatbot Matches Traditional Therapy in Clinical Trial for Mental Health

Dartmouth researchers demonstrate significant symptom improvements with AI-driven therapy, while emphasizing the need for clinician oversight.

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.