US States Regulate AI Therapy Apps
Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Sep 29, 2025 · Last updated Sep 29, 2025
The fragmented state-level regulation of AI therapy apps creates uncertainty for technology companies like Earkick and Ash, potentially hindering innovation and market access. Federal inquiries by the United States — Federal Trade Commission and United States — Food and Drug Administration signal a broader regulatory push, which could lead to standardized guidelines but also increased compliance costs for AI developers.
Several US states, including United States — Illinois and United States — Nevada, have begun regulating AI therapy apps due to concerns about user safety and the lack of federal oversight. United States — Illinois and United States — Nevada have banned AI for mental health treatment, while United States — Utah has imposed specific limits. Other states like United States — Pennsylvania, United States — New Jersey, and United States — California are also considering regulations. This patchwork of state laws creates a challenging environment for AI app developers, who face varying restrictions and legal ambiguities. Companies like Earkick have had to adjust their terminology, and others like Ash have blocked access in certain states. Federal agencies, including the United States — Federal Trade Commission and the United States — Food and Drug Administration, are also initiating inquiries and reviews into AI chatbot companies and mental health devices, indicating a growing push for comprehensive federal regulation. Experts like Vaile Wright from the American Psychological Association emphasize the need for federal oversight to ensure the safety and effectiveness of AI in mental health, especially given the current shortage of mental health providers.
Set up alerts, explore entity relationships, search across thousands of events, and build custom intelligence feeds.
Open Dashboard