The Chatbot Therapist Will See You Now

Chatbots are taking over the world. Over the past few years, virtual help agents have taken on surprisingly sensitive jobs in modern society: counseling Syrian refugees fleeing civil war, creating quiet spaces of contemplation for millions of Chinese living in densely populated cities, and helping Australians access national disability benefits. Bots have offered help, support, and companionship. But there's one line none of them have yet crossed: actually treating patients. That's just changed, with the release of a talk therapy chatbot that goes by … wait for it … Woebot.