Across the U.S. and abroad, regulators and clinicians are sounding the alarm on AI “therapy” apps. Reports from the NHS in the UK and several U.S. states, including a new law in Illinois, warn that unsupervised chatbot therapy can actually put people at risk. These tools can reinforce harmful thinking, miss signs of crisis, or give advice without context or accountability.

The takeaway is clear: digital support has real promise, but it’s not a substitute for human care. At Cloud 9, we believe technology should serve as a bridge, not a replacement. Our role is to help real clinicians, case managers, and crisis teams connect with people when and where they’re needed most.

For community mental health centers and primary care providers, that means digital tools that integrate into care, not ones that operate outside it. For first responders, it means making sure behavioral health professionals are available to guide tough calls, not leaving them to rely on a chatbot. And for payers, it’s a reminder that safe, clinician-led models are the path forward.

Cloud 9’s philosophy has always been about coordination, safety, and trust. People in crisis deserve real human connection backed by smart, supportive tools. That’s how technology truly makes a difference.

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