“Not Your Therapist: AI, Boundaries, and the Illusion of Connection” | Mariel Herbert, MD | How are you, really?

In this episode of How Are You, Really?, Dr. Faryal Mallick sits down with Dr. Mariel Herbert, a board-certified psychiatrist and poet, to explore the rise of artificial intelligence in mental health care. Together, they unpack the promises and pitfalls of AI — from efficiency and accessibility to the risks of emotional attachment to chatbots.

The conversation dives into why boundaries matter when using AI in healthcare, how the “illusion of connection” can impact vulnerable patients, and what psychiatrists must consider as technology reshapes the future of care. At its heart, this episode emphasizes the irreplaceable value of authentic human relationships in therapy and psychiatry.

If you’ve ever wondered how AI intersects with mental health — and what it means for both providers and patients — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.