Paducah Mental Health Professionals Urge Caution As Kentucky Considers AI Therapy Ban

Photo by Max Davis

A Paducah-based mental health provider is weighing in as Kentucky lawmakers consider legislation that would prohibit the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and psychotherapy.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Kim Banta, is intended to prevent potential harm and deaths linked to AI chatbots being used for mental health treatment.

Leah Fondaw, chief operating officer and licensed therapist at Four Rivers Behavioral Health, said the organization has not implemented AI in clinical care and remains cautious about the technology’s role in therapy.

“Anytime a new thing comes out, we are always extremely careful to make sure it’s ethical and follows regulations,” Fondaw said. “We are by the book, and we want to do what’s best for consumers.”

Fondaw emphasized that therapy is highly personal and built on relationships between clinicians and clients — something she said AI cannot currently replicate.

“We follow a person-centered therapy model where it’s very personal with a therapist,” she said. “That interaction really does not lend a hand to AI.”

She noted that AI is not a licensed clinician and cannot conduct therapy, though certain tools could potentially assist with administrative or support functions if they meet strict ethical and privacy standards.

Fondaw compared the situation to telehealth, which many providers were initially hesitant to adopt but later embraced once it proved safe and effective.

The Kentucky Psychological Association has suggested excluding some AI tools from the bill, including technology that could help detect risky language in session transcripts. While Fondaw acknowledged potential benefits, she said clinicians already rely on experience and personal relationships to recognize behavioral changes.

The legislation remains under consideration in the Kentucky House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee.