California lawmakers are considering legislation to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence as a replacement for human therapists. The proposed law would specifically ban the advertising of AI chatbots as qualified therapeutic resources. Crucially, it would also prevent these AI systems from making independent decisions regarding patient care without oversight from a licensed professional. This move aims to safeguard patients and ensure responsible implementation of AI in mental healthcare. Supporters of the bill emphasize the importance of human connection and nuanced understanding in therapy, arguing AI currently lacks these capabilities. The legislation reflects growing concerns about the ethical implications and potential risks associated with relying solely on AI for sensitive mental health treatment. If passed, California would be at the forefront of regulating the rapidly evolving field of AI-driven therapy.