AI mental health support is built around user satisfaction, and that's exactly the problem. You open ChatGPT at 2am, type out what's wrong, and it listens. It validates. It never pushes back. A therapist optimizing for your satisfaction the way a chatbot does would have a serious ethics problem on their hands, because making you feel good and helping you get better are not the same thing.

Amelia Knott asked ChatGPT what it thought its role in mental health was. It described itself as a first-line response offering support, validation, and resources. She found that answer compelling and concerning in equal measure. A chatbot will let someone ruminate about a breakup for six or seven hours if that's what the user wants. A therapist interrupts that pattern. And a therapist notices when you start tapping your foot mid-session, which opens doors the conversation wasn't heading toward on its own.

AI can be one item on the menu: type out a scenario, get some orientation, then take it to a real relationship. The limitation isn't that it's unhelpful. It's that it can't notice what's happening in the room with you, and sometimes that's the whole thing.

Topics: AI mental health support, chatbot therapy limitations, therapy vs AI, mental health access Canada, somatic therapy

GUEST: Amelia Knott

Originally aired on 2026-02-20

AI mental health support is built around user satisfaction, and that's exactly the problem. You open ChatGPT at 2am, type out what's wrong, and it listens. It validates. It never pushes back. A therapist optimizing for your satisfaction the way a chatbot does would have a serious ethics problem on their hands, because making you feel good and helping you get better are not the same thing.
Amelia Knott asked ChatGPT what it thought its role in mental health was. It described itself as a first-line response offering support, validation, and resources. She found that answer compelling and concerning in equal measure. A chatbot will let someone ruminate about a breakup for six or seven hours if that's what the user wants. A therapist interrupts that pattern. And a therapist notices when you start tapping your foot mid-session, which opens doors the conversation wasn't heading toward on its own.
AI can be one item on the menu: type out a scenario, get some orientation, then take it to a real relationship. The limitation isn't that it's unhelpful. It's that it can't notice what's happening in the room with you, and sometimes that's the whole thing.
Topics:&nbsp;AI mental health support, chatbot therapy limitations, therapy vs AI, mental health access Canada, somatic therapy
GUEST:&nbsp;Amelia Knott
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-20

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.