Artificial Intelligence or AI is everywhere, even in mental health care.
With demand for services soaring and resources stretched thin, it sounds like the perfect solution.
But after headlines about chatbots causing harm, is AI really safe?
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MU Health Care psychiatrist Dr. Arpit Aggarwal told Missourinet that for many people, AI can be the first point of contact when they’re struggling.
“But it’s not at a place yet where it’s ready to replace a professionally trained therapist in human or person therapist,” said Aggarwal. “And that’s why it’s the concern. It might be a good tool to start your process with, but it cannot replace a human therapist.”
Dr. Aggarwal said some safeguards have been put in place.
“ChatGPT which is one of the bigger players here they recently announced a new policy in which if they determine at their end that their risk for suicide they would automatically get them some help from a like a human,” said Aggarwal.
Could artificial intelligence ever replace a human as a therapist?
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Aggarwal (told Missourinet that it is a very tough question to answer.
“Psychiatry and psychotherapy, it’s very highly dependent on empathy, reading emotions and most of the AI are more language models,” said Aggarwal. “So as of now, there’s nothing which can say that they can replace the human therapist in the near future.”
Dr. Arpit says using AI as a therapist is becoming more common, especially among teens—and that trend is raising serious concerns.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The largest distributor of kratom products in Missouri has agreed to suspend all in-state sales of kratom and its alkaloids, effective immediately.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office announced on Thursday morning that Shaman Botanicals, LLC (American Shaman) will not sell any kratom product to Missouri consumers in stores or online.
“Kratom alkaloids, especially 7-OH, are dangerous opioids that carry serious health risks,” Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway said. “We stepped in to shut down deceptive tactics that put public health in danger. This resolution protects consumers by taking these products off Missouri shelves.”
The action ends litigation between the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Health and Senior Services and American Shaman.
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The business also agreed to abandon Missouri-targeted retail advertising, including billboards, within 30 days.
The Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation into the business practices of American Shaman in November 2025
FILE — Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sued CBD American Shaman over kratom products.(Hannah Falcon/KFVS)
In March, the Attorney General’s Office filed suit against American Shaman and companies connected with it.
Hanaway had alleged American Shaman advertised “free samples” of 7-OH despite its addictive nature, and frequently without disclosing the risk of addiction in its marketing.
“Retailers who use free samples and misleading marketing to hook consumers, especially those struggling with addiction, will face swift enforcement,” Hanaway said.
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Missourians who believe they were harmed by kratom alkaloids are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office at 800-392-8222 or by submitting an online complaint at ago.mo.gov.
Two people were seriously injured in a crash Wednesday morning in Cole County on Route B, south of Spring Ridge Road, near St. Thomas, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Around 11:50 a.m., a 2020 Honda CRV SUV driven by a 67-year-old woman from Meta attempted to turn southbound onto Route B and traveled into the path of 2018 Freightliner Cascadia semitruck driven by a 71-year-old-man, according to the crash report.
The driver of the Honda and the passenger, a 66-year-old-man from Meta, were not wearing seat belts and were airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia, according to the crash report. Both sustained serious injuries, according to the report.
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The driver of the semitruck was not injured, according to the crash report.
As summer recreation ramps up across Missouri, safety officials are reminding residents that water safety begins long before anyone steps into a lake or river. Understanding the risks of water activities, knowing personal limits, and making responsible choices are the foundation of preventing tragedies on the water.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety agencies emphasize that natural waterways can present hidden hazards, including strong currents, sudden drop‑offs, and floating debris. Swimmers are urged to stay aware of their surroundings, use life jackets when appropriate, and avoid swimming alone.
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Officials say simple precautions—such as recognizing fatigue, monitoring weather conditions, and watching out for others in your group—can make the difference between a fun day on the water and a dangerous situation. As families head outdoors, authorities encourage everyone to treat water safety as a shared responsibility.
