US EditionIllinois becomes the first state to ban AI therapists
ILLINOIS, AUG 1 – The Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act prohibits AI from independent therapy to protect patients, with violations fined up to $10,000, ensuring care by licensed professionals only.
- In Springfield, Illinois, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act on August 1, making AI therapy illegal immediately.
- Amid growing safety concerns, lawmakers said AI platforms lack empathy and oversight, raising public health risks, especially after an AI advised a fictional addict to use methamphetamine.
- The Act bars AI from making therapeutic decisions or interacting directly with clients, allowing administrative support only under licensed professional review, lawmakers said.
- With fines up to $10,000 per offense, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation can investigate violations, Secretary Mario Treto Jr. said.
- Meanwhile, other states are taking action on AI in mental health, with Utah enacting a law earlier this year and New York's law effective November 5, 2025, requiring AI companions to direct suicidal users to hotlines.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Illinois' ban on AI therapy won't stop people from asking chatbots for help
Illinois has become the first state to enact legislation banning the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for providing therapy. The bill, signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker last Friday, comes amid growing research showing an increase in people experimenting with AI for mental health as the country faces a shortage of access to professional therapy services. The Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, officially called HB 1806, pr…
An Illinois bill banning AI therapy has been signed into law
Illinois is officially staking its claim in the wild west of AI regulation. In a landmark move, state lawmakers have passed a bill banning AI from acting as a standalone therapist and placing firm guardrails on how mental health professionals can use AI to support care. Governor JB Pritzker signed the bill into law on Aug. 1.The legislation, dubbed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, was introduced by Rep. Bob Morgan and …
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