HB1806, titled the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, regulates the use of artificial intelligence in the delivery of therapy and psychotherapy services in Illinois. The bill defines key terms such as “therapy or psychotherapy services,” “therapeutic communication,” “administrative support,” “supplementary support,” and “consent,” and it distinguishes licensed clinical services from religious counseling, peer support, and public self-help materials. It allows licensed professionals to use AI for limited administrative or supplementary tasks, but only when the professional remains fully responsible for the service and, in certain recorded or transcribed sessions, the patient is given written notice and provides consent.
Impact
The bill creates new state-level restrictions on who may advertise or provide therapy or psychotherapy services and bars unlicensed individuals, corporations, or entities from offering such services to the public in Illinois, including through internet-based AI systems. It also prohibits AI from independently making therapeutic decisions, directly interacting with clients in therapeutic communication, generating treatment recommendations without professional review, or detecting emotions or mental states. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is given enforcement authority, including investigation powers and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and the bill states that records and communications remain confidential under existing mental health confidentiality law.
Sentiment
The voting history indicates very strong bipartisan support and no recorded opposition: the bill passed the House 105-0, the Senate 55-0, and House concurrence 112-0. With no committee transcript available, the available record suggests broad agreement that consumer protections are needed in mental health services, especially regarding the use of AI and the need for licensed oversight.
Contention
The main policy tension in the bill is between consumer protection and preserving access to nonclinical support and emerging technology. The bill draws a firm line against AI acting as a therapist or making clinical judgments, while still allowing limited AI assistance under a licensed professional’s supervision. It also explicitly exempts religious counseling, peer support, and self-help materials, which helps address concerns that the measure could be read too broadly or interfere with faith-based or community-based mental health support. No recorded floor or committee debate is available, so specific objections are not documented in the provided materials.