Illinois has become the first US state to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence for mental health therapy, enacting the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources (WOPR) Act. The law, signed by Governor JB Pritzker, prevents AI systems from providing therapeutic treatment or making clinical decisions, ensuring that mental health services are delivered by licensed professionals.
Under the new legislation, AI can still be used for administrative tasks such as scheduling and note-taking, but direct interaction with patients and the creation of treatment plans require a licensed professional's review and approval. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) will enforce the ban, with violations incurring fines of up to $10,000 per offence. This move aims to protect patients from unregulated AI products and safeguard the jobs of qualified behavioural health providers, addressing concerns about the use of AI chatbots in youth mental health services.
Exceptions to the law include religious counselling, peer support, and publicly available self-help materials. While Utah has a law requiring AI therapy bots to disclose they are not human, Illinois is the first to specifically ban AI-driven therapy. The law intends to ensure that residents receive quality healthcare from qualified professionals, not from AI that may provide harmful, non-clinical advice.
