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: 100

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Why some women are in the dark about breast density [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:00
Victoria is starting to notify women when they have dense breasts on their mammogram, following Western Australia and South Australia. So what does this information mean? And what should you be doing with it? Also, the c…
As bird flu mutates, are eggs still safe to eat? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:19
There's a shortage of eggs in Australia, and it might not let up as we brace for the arrival of the H5N1 strain of bird flu. That strain has shown is can make the jump into humans. But how does it manage? Also, menopause…
How an online coach can keep your brain young [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:04
There are some things you can do to guard against cognitive decline, and a study has found a hands-on approach is best. Also, rates of vaccination in pregnancy are falling in New South Wales. Should Australia follow Ital…
A Stroke of Luck: Kylie's story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
Kylie and Gillian had been friends for years when Kylie had a stroke in her early 30s. It turned Kylie's work-driven life upside down, and forced her and husband Chris to re-evaluate everything.
A Stroke of Luck: Gillian's story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
When Gillian suffered a stroke at age 50, Kylie was one of the first friends she reached out to. It wasn't Gillian's first life-altering medical emergency, having gone through cancer treatment years earlier.
A Stroke of Luck: Downs and ups of recovery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:00
Despite their strokes being 20 years apart, Kylie and Gillian were left with similar disabilities. Both faced a long and often gruelling period of rehabilitation — thankfully with partners and friends by their sides.
A Stroke of Luck: Asking for help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:00
When Kylie had her stroke, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) didn't exist. It took Gillian's stroke, 20 years later, for Kylie to fully understand how much support she was missing out on.
Why BMI is being sidelined in the diagnosis of obesity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:17
For a long time many have assumed they can tell how healthy a person is because of their weight. Now, a major global collaboration of experts is challenging that. A Lancet commission has recommended changing the criteria…
How much sugar are you feeding your toddler? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:04
We try to give little kids the best start in life, and in supermarkets there's an ever-expanding range of foods marketed specifically for them But how much sugar is in them? Plus, we peer into the evidence around ultra-p…