Millions Already Turn to AI for Therapy. Is It Safe? Harvard Medicine Magazine
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Researchers from Arizona State University, writing in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, have identified significant risks associated with adolescents using AI chatbots for emotional support and relationship advice. While these AI tools offer immediate and nonjudgmental guidance, experts warn they may interfere with the development of critical interpersonal skills like conflict resolution and emotional regulation. This shift in how youth navigate social connections represents a pivotal challenge for the mental health technology sector as it balances accessibility with developmental safeguards.
July 11, 2026Ruthia He, the founder and former CEO of digital mental health firm Done Global Inc., has been sentenced to 72 months in prison for orchestrating a $90 million scheme to unlawfully distribute over 37 million Adderall pills. Alongside clinical president David Brody, who received a 24-month sentence, He utilized a subscription-based telehealth platform to prioritize user growth and a billion-dollar valuation over medical necessity and patient safety. This landmark case underscores the increasing regulatory scrutiny on the mental health technology sector, particularly regarding the prescription of controlled substances via digital platforms.
July 9, 2026The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the Step-by-Step (SbS) program, a digitally delivered intervention designed to address the global gap in mental health care access. Developed in collaboration with Lebanon’s National Mental Health Programme, the tool targets depression and anxiety through five self-guided modules based on evidence-based techniques. This initiative represents a significant advancement in the mental health technology sector by providing a scalable, cost-effective solution for low-resource and crisis-affected regions.
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