Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Right now, most core tasks of mental‐health social workers remain done by people, though some computer tools help. For example, some clients use AI chatbots (like Woebot or even ChatGPT) to get mental-health advice, and studies show these bots often give helpful, even empathetic answers ^{[1] [2]}. In one study the chatbot's responses were preferred 78% of the time over a doctor’s answers, rated higher for both quality and empathy ^[1].

But experts warn these tools are only supplements – they lack human oversight and can make mistakes ^{[1] [2]}. We found no examples of AI fully taking over tasks like arranging a client’s ride to an appointment or choosing the best community housing program. In practice, social workers might use reminder apps or online directories to assist with schedules and referrals, but those are general tools rather than intelligent systems.

In short: AI can offer some help (answering questions or sending reminders), but the main work – counseling, teaching, decision-making and supervising teams – is still done by humans ^{[1] [2]}.

Adoption of AI in this field has been cautious. On one hand, demand for mental-health care is very high, so people look for tech solutions. A Reuters report notes that when people can’t find a therapist, they sometimes turn to AI “therapists” for support ^[2].

On the other hand, many professionals and regulators are wary. Recent research finds that although many AI tools exist, mental-health workers have been slow to use them ^{[1] [1]}. High costs of new systems, privacy and legal concerns, and the need for specialized training all slow things down.

Some U.S. states have even banned chatbots from acting as therapists to protect patients ^{[3] [2]}. In short, while AI holds promise to help with shortages, its real-world use in social work is still limited. Social workers’ unique skills – empathy, judgment and trust – remain crucial, so most experts believe AI is a tool to augment helpers, not replace them ^{[1] [2]}.