(Deerfield, IL) – llinois State Representative Bob Morgan applauded the Governor’s signing of HB 1806, which creates the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, banning AI bots holding itself out as a therapist. This bipartisan, first-in-the-nation measure was signed into law today, protecting consumers from unlicensed individuals and AI chatbots providing mental health care.
“We have already heard the horror stories when artificial intelligence pretends to be a licensed therapist. Individuals in crisis unknowingly turned to AI for help and were pushed toward dangerous, even lethal, behaviors,” said Rep. Morgan. “Every day, AI develops further in our country without the guardrails necessary to protect people. By passing HB 1806, we are taking action to pause the unchecked expansion of AI in mental healthcare and putting necessary regulation in place before more harm is done.”
“Some of these products look like therapy, talk like therapy, but operate outside every ethical standard we’ve built to keep clients safe,” Kyle Hillman, Director of Legislative Affairs for the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter, said. “This bill doesn’t block innovation—it draws the line at where innovation ends and professional care begins. AI can support mental health systems, but it doesn’t belong in the therapist’s chair,” concluded Hillman.
“It is imperative that we provide our communities with the critical mental health support they need,” said Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am proud to sponsor a law that sets guidelines for the use of AI in mental health treatment and invests in the well-being of communities, the quality of care they receive, and the standards we hold our mental health care professionals to.”
House Bill 1806 mandates that all therapy services are conducted by qualified, licensed professionals and prohibits AI from providing direct patient care. Licensed professionals may use AI tools only if they retain full responsibility for all interactions. However, therapists may not rely solely on AI for clinical decisions or treatment planning. The legislation also bans AI-generated transcripts of client sessions unless the patient is fully informed and gives explicit consent.
“Our behavioral health system cannot be replaced by unqualified chatbots advising our most vulnerable populations,” said Morgan. “By clearly defining how AI can and cannot be used in mental health care, we’re protecting patients, supporting ethical providers, and keeping treatment in the hands of trained, licensed professionals.”