AI Relationships: Impact on Mental Health & Therapy Approaches

The lines between human connection and artificial intelligence are blurring, and with that comes a growing trend: people forming intimate, even romantic, relationships with AI companions. A recent survey indicates that nearly three in ten adults in the United States have engaged in some form of intimate or romantic interaction with an AI, raising questions about the psychological impact and potential risks of these evolving connections. While these relationships may offer a sense of companionship and fulfillment for some, experts caution that relying on AI for emotional needs could lead to isolation, antisocial behavior, and even addictive patterns.

The Appeal of AI Companionship

The survey, conducted by Vantage Point Counseling in 2025, found that 28.16% of 1,012 adults reported having an intimate or romantic relationship with an AI. Perhaps surprisingly, over half (53.34%) of those individuals were already in a committed relationship with another human being. This suggests that AI companionship isn’t necessarily replacing human connection, but rather supplementing it – or, potentially, existing alongside unmet needs within existing relationships.

Michael Salas, LPC, CSAT-S, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist-supervisor with Vantage Point Counseling, explains the appeal. “Most likely for some simple reasons and, as well, some more complicated ones. People are busy and, unlike actual humans, AI would just be available when you are.” He also points to a broader cultural trend: a growing difficulty with in-person interactions. “There is a lot of social anxiety out there. I also think people are just looking for ways around vulnerable interactions, and they want to skip past possibilities of getting rejected or feeling awkward.”

How Do These Relationships Work?

The nature of these AI relationships varies, but often begins with conversational interactions. Users can engage in question-and-answer exchanges, and, increasingly, request that the AI adopt specific personalities or traits. Salas describes the process as similar to early dating stages, with the potential for emotional connection developing through these interactions. While physical intimacy is currently limited to imagination and emotional response, the psychological impact can be significant.

Distinguishing AI Relationships from Other Forms of Intimacy

A key difference between AI companionship and other forms of intimacy, such as pornography, lies in the perceived emotional connection. Salas notes that “AI doesn’t tend to have the same emotions tied to it. Most people aren’t going to feel connected to their favorite porn star. They maybe would fantasize about being connected, but they’re not interacting in real time with them in most cases.” This real-time interaction and the illusion of emotional responsiveness can create a sense of connection that differs from passive consumption of erotic material.

Potential Benefits and Risks

While the risks are prominent, some potential benefits exist. Salas suggests that AI interactions could serve as “training wheels” for developing social skills and practicing vulnerable conversations. However, he emphasizes that this should be viewed as role-playing for practice, rather than a substitute for genuine human connection.

The risks, however, are more substantial. The technology’s potential for manipulation is a concern, as is the possibility of individuals neglecting real-world relationships in favor of AI companionship. “The person could be missing out on actual in-person connections by using free time with AI,” Salas warns. “People learn from relationships, and I believe a lot of that comes from imperfect people dealing with imperfect people. Socially, I worry about the impact of people no longer learning these life lessons.”

Who is Most Vulnerable?

Individuals already experiencing isolation, loneliness, relationship dissatisfaction, anxiety, or high stress levels appear to be particularly vulnerable to forming these AI relationships. AI can offer a readily available source of comfort and validation for those feeling emotionally depleted. Secrecy surrounding AI interactions is also a red flag, suggesting a deeper issue at play. If someone feels the need to hide their AI interactions from a partner or becomes defensive about it, that’s often a signal something deeper is happening.

Recognizing the Signs: A Clinician’s Perspective

For therapists and other clinicians, recognizing these patterns is crucial. Beyond secrecy, another warning sign is when AI use begins to replace real intimacy. A person might spend more time interacting with AI while becoming less engaged with their partner or social relationships. Salas emphasizes that treatment should begin with curiosity rather than judgment, focusing on understanding the underlying needs the AI interaction is meeting.

He notes that these patterns often resemble existing clinical understandings of compulsive sexual behavior or avoidance coping mechanisms. “At this point I wouldn’t rush to create a new diagnosis because the patterns we’re seeing often resemble things clinicians already understand,” Salas explains. Treatment typically involves helping individuals develop healthier ways to meet their emotional needs and build more fulfilling human connections.

The Future of AI Companionship and Research Needs

As AI technology continues to evolve, understanding the long-term effects of these relationships is paramount. Researchers need to investigate how AI interactions impact loneliness, relationship satisfaction, and mental health over time. Understanding how AI design features influence attachment is crucial, as these systems are intentionally built to feel emotionally responsive.

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For more information: Michael Salas, LPC, CSAT-S, can be reached at [email protected].