"In 2025, three U.S. states (Utah, Nevada, and Illinois) have taken significant steps to limit the role of artificial intelligence in mental health care. Each state enacted laws that prohibit AI chatbots from providing therapy, diagnosis, or therapeutic decision-making, while still allowing their use for administrative support like scheduling and documentation. Utah's restrictions went into effect first on May 7, followed by Nevada on July 1, and Illinois on August 4."
"Lawmakers in all three states justified the restrictions by pointing to patient safety concerns and the need to clarify where AI fits in health care. The Illinois legislation explicitly drew a boundary between administrative support and clinical practice, while Nevada's law barred any AI system from providing professional mental or behavioral health care. Utah's framework focused on regulating "mental health chatbots" used by state residents, requiring disclosures, privacy protections, and clear limitations to prevent AI from impersonating licensed professionals."
In 2025, Utah, Nevada, and Illinois enacted laws prohibiting AI chatbots from delivering therapy, diagnosis, or therapeutic decision-making while permitting administrative uses such as scheduling and documentation. Utah emphasized disclosures, privacy protections, and limits to prevent AI from impersonating licensed professionals. Nevada barred AI systems from offering professional mental or behavioral health care. Illinois empowered its Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to fine violators, typically after consumer complaints. Lawmakers cited patient safety and the need to define AI's role in health care. Colleges face pressure to update training, ethics, and counseling practices as student anxiety grows.
Read at Psychology Today
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