AI therapists in training: can computers teach better counseling?
NCT ID NCT06813066
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether artificial intelligence (AI) can realistically simulate conversations between a therapist and a person with a mental health problem. Researchers used 520 simulated sessions to see if the AI could follow proper therapy techniques. The goal is to use these simulations to help train therapists and improve mental health care.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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520 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2025
- Finished
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Aug 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Simulation of psychotherapy sessions of conversations between an adult person presenting with a mental or behavioral health problem and a psychotherapist using large language models and 8 real-world transcripts Exclusion Criteria: * Simulation protocols with severe simulation errors
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University Hospital Basel
Basel, 4031, Switzerland
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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