Conversational AI as a Complementary Intervention to Traditional Therapy for Mental Health: Good or Bad? – Scoping Review

Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly integrated into daily life, including the field of mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the limitations of traditional psychological care systems, with a global 25% rise in anxiety and depression cases. In Colombia, significant challenges persist: high prevalence in vulnerable populations and barriers to accessing specialized services. Tools such as Línea Amiga, Wysa, Woebot, or even ChatGPT expand access and complement traditional therapy, yet raise questions about clinical effectiveness, adherence, privacy, ethical considerations, and risks from prolonged interactions.