This image provided by Dartmouth in September 2025, depicts a text message exchange with the Therabot generative AI chatbot for mental health treatment. — Michael Heinz, Nicholas Jacobson/Dartmouth via AP
In the absence of stronger US federal regulation, some states have begun regulating apps that offer AI "therapy” as more people turn to artificial intelligence for mental health advice.
But the laws, all passed this year, don't fully address the fast-changing landscape of AI software development. And app developers, policymakers and mental health advocates say the resulting patchwork of state laws isn't enough to protect users or hold the creators of harmful technology accountable.
