Illinois bans AI from providing mental health therapy under new law

Illinois has become one of the first states to block artificial intelligence from providing mental health therapy, after Governor JB Pritzker signed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources (WOPR) Act into law last week.

The legislation prohibits AI-driven apps and services from offering mental health or therapeutic decision-making, including diagnosing users or providing treatment plans. Any violations could result in fines of up to $10,000, enforced by the state’s regulatory agency.

Therapists in Illinois can still use AI tools for administrative purposes such as note-taking and scheduling, but not for direct mental health care.

Kyle Hillman, legislative director of the National Association of Social Workers, said the move protects licensed professionals from misrepresentation. “If you would have opened up a shop claiming to be a clinical social worker, you’d be shut down quickly. But somehow we were letting algorithms operate without oversight,” he told Axios.

The law distinguishes between wellness apps like Calm, which remain legal, and AI services that promote themselves as always-available therapy. Some companies, such as Ash Therapy, have already blocked Illinois users, citing pending policy decisions.

The regulation comes amid growing concerns over AI’s psychological impact. Reports have surfaced of users experiencing delusions or risky behavior after prolonged AI interactions, with some experts warning of “AI-induced psychosis.”

With Illinois leading the way, the WOPR Act could serve as a model for other states considering restrictions on AI in behavioral health care.