"It saved my life": Why people are turning to AI therapy

For many, getting professional mental health support feels out of reach—whether it’s the long waitlists, the high cost, or the simple fact that help isn’t always available when you need it most. That gap has opened the door for a new kind of support: artificial intelligence therapy.

Apps like Replika, Woebot, and Wysa are stepping into people’s daily lives as 24/7 conversational partners. They don’t diagnose, they don’t judge, and they’re always there to listen. For users like 41-year-old Liz Rochelle, the impact has been profound. She says talking with an AI bot helped her cope with depression and overwhelming thoughts, describing the experience simply: “It saved my life.”

Of course, experts are quick to point out that AI can’t replace a trained human therapist—especially when it comes to complex or crisis situations. But as the demand for therapy keeps rising and the cost remains a barrier, many are finding comfort in these digital companions.

In short: while AI therapy isn’t a cure-all, it’s becoming an accessible lifeline for people who might otherwise have no one to turn to.