People Are Turning to AI for Mental Health, California Wants It Banned
California’s SB 903 is advancing toward a ban on AI chatbots acting as therapists or making mental health decisions without human oversight. The bill, passed 13-0 by the Assembly Appropriations Committee, would allow AI only for support tasks, require clinician supervision and patient consent, and bar chatbots from posing as therapists. It also includes protections for therapy data and exemptions for peer support, religious counseling, research, and federally approved medical tools. The Senate already approved the bill unanimously, and it now needs further Assembly and Senate action before reaching Governor Gavin Newsom. Supporters say AI cannot replace trained human therapists and needs guardrails. Critics warn that requiring clinicians could slow access in a state with widespread behavioral health worker shortages. The debate comes amid growing concern that mental health chatbots may reinforce delusions or harmful beliefs.
