DOH cautions public: Don’t rely on AI for mental health counseling
"There is nothing wrong if you have already done it [used AI for counseling], but the advice of the DOH is, let's not use AI as a counselor; don't use ChatGPT, Gemini as a counselor. This is because AI cannot read what you are feeling,” Asec. Domingo said in Filipino during a News forum
The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reminded the public not to rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for mental health counseling, warning that technology cannot replace genuine human connection.
“There is nothing wrong if you have already done it [used AI for counseling], but the advice of the DOH is, let's not use AI as a counselor; don't use ChatGPT, Gemini as a counselor. This is because AI cannot read what you are feeling,” said DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo in Filipino during a news forum.
Domingo explained that AI lacks the ability to interpret non-verbal cues that are vital in understanding emotional states. He advised people to seek meaningful conversations and interactions with real individuals instead.
“What I am telling you, what comes out of my mouth, is different from what my eyes can read as a person. AI cannot do that,” he said. “Let’s promote human interaction. A video call would probably be better, but the person you are talking to should be a real person, not an AI.”
Domingo emphasized that mental health symptoms are not always visible and that checking in with loved ones can make a significant difference.
“No one will know what’s in the mind of other people until you offer a safe environment that allows them to open up, even just for five minutes. What we call that in DOH is brief intervention,” he said.
The DOH official also warned that social media can be a trigger for mental health issues, noting that the negativity spread by trolls often distorts reality.
“We should remember that the reality is the people in our homes, our human contacts. That is why face-to-face interaction is good,” Domingo said. “Because when we see what appears on our phone or tablet’s feed, let's remember that is not normal life; that is just an algorithm.”
Domingo concluded by reminding those struggling with mental health concerns that they are not alone and encouraged them to reach out for professional help.
“If you feel that you have a mental health issue, please remember that you are not alone,” he said, adding that individuals can call the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline #1553 for free, anonymous assistance.