The Future of Therapy: What Would Unlimited AI Therapy Look Like?

In September 2023, Ilya Sutskever of OpenAI expressed optimistic prospects for the future of therapy, asserting that once AI models achieve a certain level of robustness, we could potentially have highly effective and cost-effective AI therapy. This prospect has ignited discussions about the potential implications and societal impact of a world with unlimited access to therapy.

At present, access to therapy in the United States can be limited and costly. Despite efforts to enhance accessibility through telehealth, significant barriers persist. Many individuals find it challenging to procure therapy, particularly those with health insurance that does not cover such services.

The wider availability and affordability of therapy is anticipated to result in increased demand. Those currently unable to access therapy may find it more feasible to allocate at least one hour per week to therapy, while current attendees may consider increasing their therapy hours. Nonetheless, it is crucial to consider whether there should be a limit to the amount of therapy an individual may require.

In a world where therapy is as inexpensive and easily accessible as Sutskever envisions, the answer to this question is not immediately evident. While we are accustomed to advocating for improved access to therapy, we have not fully contemplated the potential implications of therapy in a world of abundance. This raises inquiries into how individuals may approach therapy, and whether it would be regarded as a fundamental necessity or something that could be excessively indulged in.

The debate surrounding the advent of “highly effective and remarkably affordable therapy” raises queries about whether it would be an overall favourable development. It is likened to the model of water, a fundamental necessity that technological advancements have made more accessible, and the model of video games, which provides a cautionary example of excessive indulgence. The prospect of unlimited therapy implies that it would carry intricate implications for individuals and society at large.

Despite the optimism surrounding the potential of AI in therapy, it is imperative to approach these conjectures with circumspection. Diverse perspectives exist regarding whether AI can authentically replicate the work of a proficient therapist, and if it is even attainable. Nonetheless, the contemplative exercise unveiled by AI presents critical considerations concerning the potential landscape and impact of a world with unlimited therapy.

Ultimately, it necessitates us to ponder the notion of what would be considered reasonable in terms of therapy in a world of abundance, and how much therapy an individual genuinely requires. These are pivotal inquiries to meditate on as we explore the possibilities and repercussions of therapy in an era of technological abundance.