Bridging Innovation and Practice: A Literature Review on Artificial Intelligence’s (AI’s) Expanding Role in Therapy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) encompassing machine learning (ML), deep learning, and generative AI (GenAI), is increasingly shaping clinical and therapeutic landscapes. This paper conducts a review of current literature on the use of AI in various therapeutic contexts. It examines how AI technologies such as chatbots, predictive models, and AI-enabled robotics are being applied across diverse populations to support prescreening, diagnosis processes, symptom tracking, behavioral monitoring, and clinical systemic interventions. These tools have demonstrated potential in improving therapeutic outcomes, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and enhancing cognitive and behavioral functioning. The review highlights specific benefits and explores the broader implications of these applications within clinical practice. However, concerns such as algorithmic bias, data privacy risks, and the lack of emotional nuance in AI responses pose significant risks to therapeutic integrity and relational attunement. Moreover, the absence of formal training and clearly defined ethical guidelines for clinicians raises questions about responsible implementation. Systemic therapists, in particular, must remain vigilant about how AI may reinforce dominant cultural narratives or marginalize underrepresented voices. Therefore, as AI continues to evolve, ongoing professional engagement and ethical scrutiny are essential to ensure its responsible and equitable integration into clinical care. Given the rapidly changing nature of these technologies, therapists are recommended to remain informed and approach their use with flexibility and caution.