Todd Essig
Papers
1
Total Citations
23
H-Index
1
About
Todd Essig is a clinical psychologist and researcher whose work sits at the intersection of technology, mental health, and human connection. His key research areas include the ethics and efficacy of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy, the psychology of virtual reality, and the impact of digital tools on the therapeutic relationship. Essig is perhaps best known for his critical examination of AI-driven therapy bots; his highly cited 2023 study, "Can robots do therapy?" (23 citations), rigorously tested a CBT bot against other behavioral intervention technologies, revealing significant limitations in the bot’s ability to alleviate mental health symptoms compared to human-led interventions. This work has shaped ongoing debates about the role of automation in clinical care. A frequent contributor to *Forbes* and *Psychology Today*, Essig translates complex research for public audiences, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of embodied, relational presence in healing. His contributions challenge the field to balance technological innovation with ethical responsibility, ensuring that human connection remains central to mental health treatment.
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Top Papers
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