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Pennsylvania’s Department of State is investigating AI chatbots that claim to be licensed mental health professionals.
Governor Josh Shapiro announced the investigation — and a new online portal for resident complaints — during a roundtable on AI and student mental health at the Boys and Girls Club in Carnegie on Friday.
“Let’s be clear, they’re not licensed in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said. “They’re not qualified to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do as it relates to your mental health, and I think that it poses a real risk to students and to others across Pennsylvania.”
Professional licensing in the commonwealth must go through the Department of State. Secretary of State Al Schmidt told reporters that the department’s enforcement and prosecution units have assembled a task force on the issue and will be investigating complaints received online.
Companies found in violation may be barred from operating in the commonwealth or fined, according to Schmidt.
The state’s Department of Education also launched a new AI and Digital Media Literacy toolkit for students, educators and families on Friday. The website has resources and guidance on how to safely use AI companion technology, implement AI tools in the classroom and avoid banking and financial scams that use deepfake technology.
In Carnegie, Shapiro was flanked by local educators, psychologists and teen members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania.
Josiah Pritchett-Murray, a student at McKeesport Area High School, voiced concerns about students relying on AI tools in school and for counseling. Pritchett-Murray said his peers often turn to AI chatbots on apps like Snapchat because they don’t have other safe spaces to open up and seek help.
“That’s not a real human, they don’t have real feelings, but it’s the only thing that [students] have,” he said.
Laila King, a senior at Pittsburgh CAPA, said this trend speaks to feelings of loneliness, isolation and stress among many teens today. King has worked with the PA Youth Advocacy Network to push for further recognition of youth mental health issues in legislation.
Earlier this month, the state House Education Committee passed bills that would allow student mental health days to count as excused absences and require mental health training for school athletic coaches.
Department of Health Secretary Debra Bogen said health care providers should be helping parents and families recognize the value and importance of maintaining real, healthy human relationships.
“We need to get back to relationship building from the very young child through high school and, and teach both parents,” Bogen said.
“ We have to figure out not just chatbots, which are really dangerous but can also be useful,” she added. “I think the core is really at that personal human relationship.”
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