Article Author: Yih-Chang Chen, Chia-Ching Lin

This study aims to investigate the current applications and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in psychological counseling and therapeutic practice, analyzing the potential effects of AI interventions on therapeutic processes, client experiences, and ethical considerations. A systematic literature review was conducted, examining relevant journal articles published between 2020 and 2025 in the PubMed, PsycINFO, IEEE Xplore, and Scopus databases. A total of 36 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. The findings indicate that AI technologies can effectively enhance the accessibility of mental health services, facilitating initial emotional support and self-disclosure among clients, particularly serving as a valuable supplement to traditional services for underserved populations and remote areas. However, existing AI systems exhibit notable limitations in empathetic expression, contextual understanding, and cultural adaptability, making them inadequate replacements for human therapists in deep therapeutic interactions. Furthermore, this study highlights the significant influence of cultural context on client acceptance of AI interventions and emphasizes the need for future AI applications to integrate principles of "digital empathy" and "explainable design." Practical recommendations are provided for technology development, clinical implementation, and policy formulation, while calling for further empirical research on the long-term effects and cross-cultural adaptability of AI interventions. This study advances theoretical understanding in the intersecting fields of artificial intelligence and psychology, offering a critical foundation for promoting ethical applications and human-centered design of AI in mental health.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Mental Health; Counseling; Affective Computing; Therapeutic Alliance; Digital Empathy; Cultural Adaptability

Article Review Status: Published

Pages: 1 - 12

Download PDF