Key points from article :
Character.ai - a popular platform where anyone can create AI chatbots based on fictional or real people.
"Psychologist" bot offering mental health support is by far the most popular character.
A total of 78 million messages (18 million since November) to Psychologist since it launched.
Many report Psychologist as a "lifesaver" and find comfort in it.
Text format, accessibility, and lack of stigma are cited reasons for its popularity.
Some psychologists warn that AI bots may be giving poor advice to patients, or have ingrained biases against race or gender.
Some see AI therapy as a tool to address mental health resource shortage.
