Regulation of AI therapy apps
In response to the growing use of AI-powered “therapy” apps, some U.S. states have begun enacting laws to regulate them, citing gaps in federal oversight. States like Illinois and Nevada have outright banned AI apps that offer mental health treatment, while Utah has imposed requirements such as protecting patient data and making clear the app is not human. Other states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California are exploring similar regulation. Critics argue that the resulting patchwork of laws is insufficient for protecting consumers and holding developers accountable, especially as generic chatbots not explicitly marketed as therapy remain largely unregulated. Supporters of regulation call for stronger federal oversight and clearer rules, particularly as these tools seek to fill gaps in mental health care access and oversight agencies like the FTC and FDA begin reviewing AI chatbot practices.