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
What's your sports bra got to do with your knees? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:10
Bras might seem unrelated to knee injuries, but research suggests otherwise. Women are significantly more prone to tearing their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and wearing the right bra could help reduce this risk. It…
Why aren't kids getting the food they need at childcare? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:04
The first 2,000 days of life are crucial for brain development. Children learn and grow more during this time than at any other point in their lives. However, research shows many childcare centres are failing to provide…
Could a bacterial strain spark bowel cancer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:25
Scientists are increasingly concerned about the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger populations, and emerging research points to the gut microbiome as a key factor in understanding this trend. A study fro…
Should you exercise more or get surgery for knee pain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:14
Many individuals with knee osteoarthritis are being subjected to unnecessary tests and procedures, even though exercise is often the most effective treatment. New clinical care guidelines have been introduced, highlighti…
Are they natty, or are they taking steroids to get buff? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:15
Performance and image-enhancing drugs are more common than you might expect, especially if you're not enmeshed in gym culture. Experts are worried the medical community has fallen behind the rise in steroid use, leaving…
Why these fertility experts are worried about plastic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:29
There's already a lot to think about when you're trying to get pregnant. Should plastic be one of them? Some fertility experts think that yes, cutting down your exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used to…
Chair yoga: as good as the real thing? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:40
Sore back from sitting all day? A new study suggest virtual yoga — much of which can be done from a chair — could help relieve low back pain. AI-generated deepfakes of health professionals are promoting a supplement, and…
Why Australia's called the 'allergy capital of the world' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:16
Some describe Australia as the allergy capital of the world, noting high rates of food allergies — what can parents do to help kids early? Why the term 'Munchausen by Proxy' is making headlines, and how to spot Factitiou…
Can your noisy knees predict the future? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:51
Our joints are capable of making a cacophony of sounds, even more so as we get older. Is it ever a cause for concern? Research shows once more that vaccination protects against long COVID, but the timing of the jab may b…
Another Trump presidency could give kids more cavities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:51
Donald Trump's re-election could spell big health policy changes for the United States, including the rolling back of a 20th century intervention. Also, a major review into how health professionals operate in Australia,…