New York Senate Bill S08484

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/20/25
• Refer: 8/20/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Regulates the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of therapy or psychotherapy services by prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence to assist in providing supplementary support where the session is recorded or transcribed unless the patient is informed of the specific purpose of such use and consents of such use; establishes penalties for violations of such provisions; excludes religious counseling, peer-support, and self-help materials and educational resources from such provisions.

Impact

The implications of S08484 on state laws focus on enhancing the ethical standards and transparency in mental health practices. The bill prohibits unregulated use of AI, reinforcing the expectation that therapy services provided by licenced professionals maintain a human-centric approach. This means that licensed professionals retain full responsibility for any interactions or decisions made in therapy, as well as oversight on how AI tools may assist in their duties. By doing so, the legislation aims to protect clients' privacy and ensure that no AI application operates solely without the oversight of a human professional.

Summary

Bill S08484, titled the 'Oversight of Technology in Mental Health Care Act', aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the provision of therapy or psychotherapy services in New York State. It establishes specific guidelines surrounding AI's use, ensuring that licensed professionals cannot utilize AI for supplementary support during sessions recorded or transcribed without obtaining informed consent from clients. The intention behind this bill is to create a safer environment for individuals seeking mental health services by ensuring transparency and maintaining client confidentiality throughout the therapeutic process.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions that exclude certain types of counseling, such as religious counseling and peer support services, from these regulations. This brings to light potential contention surrounding what constitutes therapy or psychotherapy, particularly as the landscape of mental health services evolves with increasing reliance on AI and digital tools. Healthcare professionals and advocates may express differing views on how these regulations could limit innovative approaches to therapy or how they delineate the boundaries of professional practice versus peer support or self-help initiatives.