I have been using LLM as a "therapist" for quite some time now. To be fair, I do not use it any different than I have used the internet before LLMs. I read up on concepts and how they apply to me etc. It just helps me to be much faster. Additionally, it helps working like a smart diary or something like that.
It is important to note that the word therapy covers quite a large range. There is quite a difference between someone who is having anxiety about a talk tomorrow vs. someone who has severe depression with suicidal thoughts.
I prefer the LLM approach for myself, because it is always available. I also had therapy before and the results are very similar. Except for the therapist I have to wait weeks, costs a lot, and the sessions are rather short. By the time the appointment comes a long my questions have become obsolete.
It is important to note that the word therapy covers quite a large range. There is quite a difference between someone who is having anxiety about a talk tomorrow vs. someone who has severe depression with suicidal thoughts.
I prefer the LLM approach for myself, because it is always available. I also had therapy before and the results are very similar. Except for the therapist I have to wait weeks, costs a lot, and the sessions are rather short. By the time the appointment comes a long my questions have become obsolete.