IL: first state to bar AI from mental health therapy
Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources (WOPR) Act, establishing Illinois as the first U.S. state to bar artificial intelligence systems from offering mental health therapy or making clinical decisions—a category that includes AI chatbots mimicking therapeutic support. The law still permits AI for administrative or supplemental tasks under the supervision of licensed professionals. Violations may result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per offense, enforceable by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The legislation responds to growing concerns from mental health experts about unregulated AI tools dispensing advice—sometimes dangerously—and reinforces the boundary that therapy must be delivered by qualified human providers.