AI chatbots are being used for mental health support — and it’s raising red flags. From offering bad advice to encouraging self-harm, some mental health chatbots are crossing dangerous lines. Vaile Wright, senior director of health care innovation for the American Psychological Association, joins The Excerpt to talk about what’s at stake—and how regulation could protect users.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.

Episode transcript available here

AI chatbots are being used for mental health support — and it’s raising red flags. From offering bad advice to encouraging self-harm, some mental health chatbots are crossing dangerous lines. Vaile Wright, senior director of health care innovation for the American Psychological Association, joins The Excerpt to talk about what’s at stake—and how regulation could protect users.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode transcript <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/07/03/chatbot-therapy-the-excerpt/84460789007/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">available here</a>

USA TODAY’s daily news podcast, The Excerpt (formerly 5 Things), brings you a curated mix of the most important headlines seven mornings a week. We also deliver special deep-dive episodes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons on the most compelling topics in culture, entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Give us fifteen minutes a day, we'll give you all of the headlines, none of the chaos. Hosted by Taylor Wilson and Dana Taylor.  

USA TODAY’s daily news podcast, The Excerpt (formerly 5 Things), brings you a curated mix of the most important headlines seven mornings a week. We also deliver special deep-dive episodes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons on the most compelling topics in culture, entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Give us fifteen minutes a day, we'll give you all of the headlines, none of the chaos. Hosted by Taylor Wilson and Dana Taylor.&nbsp;&nbsp;