Massachusetts, United States (Enmaeya News) — As mental health challenges climb worldwide, more people are turning to digital solutions like AI-powered chatbots for support. But experts warn that the technology’s rapid rise has outpaced regulatory oversight, raising concerns about safety and effectiveness.

A recent STAT News report highlighted the case of Woebot, a therapy chatbot forced to shut down amid regulatory barriers. Its founder, Alison Darcy, said the Food and Drug Administration’s approval process was too slow to keep pace with AI innovation, leaving the platform unable to integrate newer technologies.

“This is a classic case of regulation falling behind innovation,” said Tanzeem Choudhury, a researcher in digital health. “Users may end up relying on tools that are not properly vetted, which could cause harm instead of help.”

To address the gap, Choudhury and fellow expert Dan Adler are calling for a standardized labeling system for mental health chatbots—similar to traffic lights. Under their proposal, a green label would indicate safe use, yellow would signal caution, and red would warn of unsafe or unverified tools.

Such a system, they argue, would give users immediate and clear guidance, while also pushing developers to follow best practices and meet regulatory standards.

While AI chatbots can offer valuable support, experts stress that they are not substitutes for professional mental health care. Instead, they should serve as supplementary resources—helping users access information, manage stress, and connect with appropriate care when needed.

As demand for accessible mental health support grows, experts say building adaptive, transparent frameworks will be key to ensuring digital tools are both effective and safe.