Lake County Gazette

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a new law banning artificial intelligence bots from posing as licensed therapists, following concerns about the risks of unregulated AI in mental health care. The measure, known as the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, was championed by State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Highwood) and is considered the first of its kind in the United States.

The legislation prohibits AI chatbots from providing therapy services or representing themselves as qualified mental health professionals. Only licensed practitioners will be allowed to deliver therapy, though they may use AI tools if they maintain full responsibility for patient interactions. The law also requires that any use of AI-generated transcripts during client sessions must be disclosed to patients, who must give explicit consent.

“We have already heard the horror stories when artificial intelligence pretends to be a licensed therapist. Individuals in crisis unknowingly turned to AI for help and were pushed toward dangerous, even lethal, behaviors,” said Rep. Morgan. “Every day, AI develops further in our country without the guardrails necessary to protect people. By passing HB 1806, we are taking action to pause the unchecked expansion of AI in mental healthcare and putting necessary regulation in place before more harm is done.”

Kyle Hillman, Director of Legislative Affairs for the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter, added: “Some of these products look like therapy, talk like therapy, but operate outside every ethical standard we’ve built to keep clients safe. This bill doesn’t block innovation—it draws the line at where innovation ends and professional care begins. AI can support mental health systems, but it doesn’t belong in the therapist’s chair.”

Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), who sponsored the legislation in the Senate, said: “It is imperative that we provide our communities with the critical mental health support they need. I am proud to sponsor a law that sets guidelines for the use of AI in mental health treatment and invests in the well-being of communities, the quality of care they receive, and the standards we hold our mental health care professionals to.”

Rep. Morgan emphasized: “Our behavioral health system cannot be replaced by unqualified chatbots advising our most vulnerable populations. By clearly defining how AI can and cannot be used in mental health care, we’re protecting patients, supporting ethical providers, and keeping treatment in the hands of trained, licensed professionals.”

Morgan has represented Illinois’ 58th House District since his election in 2019 after replacing former state representative Scott Drury.