Illinois has enacted a law banning the use of artificial intelligence in delivering therapy or psychotherapy services without oversight from licensed professionals.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act into law Aug. 1, prohibiting AI tools from making independent therapeutic decisions, directly interacting with patients or generating treatment plans without clinician review. The law also bars AI from detecting emotions or mental states.
The measure permits licensed professionals to use AI for administrative and supplementary support — such as appointment reminders or analyzing anonymized data — if they maintain full responsibility and obtain informed patient consent.
The legislation was prompted by growing concerns over the use of AI chatbots in youth mental health services, according to an Aug. 4 news release from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Violations carry a fine of up to $10,000 per incident.
The law carves out exceptions for religious counseling, peer support and publicly available self-help materials. It took effect immediately upon signing.
Nevada in June passed a law that bans the programming of AI to act as a mental health professional and prohibits school counselors and psychologists from using AI to perform their work.
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