Can AI chatbots be good therapists?

Can AI chatbots be good therapists?

Author: ABC Australia February 28, 2026 Duration: 45:14
We know many people are turning to generative AI for health advice, including tips on how to manage stress, anxiety and low mood.  When is it safe to turn to a chatbot, and when do you need to see a real human being? And what if you can't afford it? Also, a home review program that aims to get people off drugs they don't need to be on that might be negatively impacting their lives.  And good news when it comes to Australia's goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.  References: Uptake and performance of self-collection offered through primary care to all eligible participants in a national cervical screening programme in Australia: a retrospective cohort study Extended follow-up of invasive cervical cancer risk after quadrivalent HPV vaccination: nationwide, register based study Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Cancer Mortality Among Cancer Survivors Informed use of AI technologies for mental health AI and mental health in Australia: what needs to happen next - Black Dog Institute Pharmacists call for medicine review program to be expanded - ABC News The effect of deprescribing interventions on mortality and health outcomes in older people: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Wait, does exercise help osteoarthritis? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:19
A paper has suggested exercise has minimal, short-term effects on osteoarthritis. But experts are warning people with the condition that they shouldn't stop moving. Also, school kids are being called on to help in the fi…
Prescribing exercise for mental health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:55
Researchers have pin-pointed the best exercise routines for depression or anxiety symptoms, and they might be equal to medication and talk therapy. Also, why states and territories are making changes to their maternity c…
The cost shock of specialist care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:11
When you pay for private health insurance, you might assume you'll be well covered if you get injured or fall ill. But a new report has revealed the huge costs that catch people off guard, and sometimes prevent them from…
Going to ChatGPT for health advice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:11
Many people turning to AI for health advice are doing it for valid reasons — it's cheap, fast and isn't bound by a 15-minute timer. But the checks and balances companies use to ensure their products are safe, or even acc…
What are the benefits of having a dry January? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
If you're having a month off the beers to kick off the year, do you know what a short stretch of sobriety could achieve? Some companies in the United States are even pushing people to trade their alcohol for THC, for "hi…
Can AI make personalised medicine accessible? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
How far would you go to save your dog? One owner has used ChatGPT and other AI models to find a treatment for his pup's cancer. Also, we could be missing cases of liver disease because of differences between pathology ce…
Walking the Camino with knee osteoarthritis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:05
People with osteoarthritis used to be told to take it easy and avoid overdoing exercise. But the advice has changed drastically. Also, should everyone going onto GLP-1 medications for weight loss be screened and monitore…
Is Dr Google fuelling your hypochondria? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:59
Anxiety can manifest in an excessive worry about your health, and it can be debilitating. But there are effective treatments. Also, antidepressants can be difficult to come off because of the withdrawal symptoms. An expe…
Uncovering the brain circuit for creativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:02
There's a paradox in neurodegenerative disease – sometimes as the brain deteriorates, creativity flourishes. Researchers have used imaging techniques to map creativity in the brains of people with Parkinson’s and Alzheim…
Swapping salt for a heart healthier option [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:57
Substituting your table salt for something with lower sodium could drive down your risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, what expectant parents might not know about screening for genetic diseases before conceiving. Arti…