The Rise of AI Therapy in Italy's Mental Health Crisis
On a sunny afternoon in a Roman park, a revealing conversation unfolds between friends, highlighting a growing trend across Italy. As they share their experiences with AI therapists, it becomes clear that digital solutions are filling a critical gap in a country where traditional mental health support remains inaccessible for millions.
A Nation Struggling with Stigma and Accessibility
Italy faces a profound mental health challenge, with an estimated five million citizens needing psychological support but unable to afford it. According to a 2025 survey by a leading European mental health platform, 81% of Italians still view mental health issues as a form of weakness, while 57% cite cost as the primary barrier to seeking help.
The legacy of Italy's mental health system continues to cast a long shadow. The revolutionary 1978 Basaglia law closed down brutal state-run institutions, replacing them with community-based services. However, this transition has left a system with insufficient resources and persistent stigma, making proper care difficult to access for many.
Digital Solutions in a Broken System
"It feels liberating to be able to tell everything to my AI therapist, knowing it is both a free and a completely unjudging space," says Giuseppe from Calabria in southern Italy. Like many others, he has turned to digital therapy after finding traditional options both unaffordable and stigmatising in his small community.
Across Italy, friends compare notes about their AI therapists, some even giving them names like "Sol." This digital approach offers constant availability without the financial pressure of traditional sessions, which can cost more than many can afford. For those in conservative communities or facing additional marginalisation, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, the anonymity of AI therapy provides a safe space unavailable through conventional means.
Systemic Failures and Workplace Neglect
The public health system's shortcomings are stark. One psychotherapist from Catania described being the only therapist serving over 200,000 people across four Sicilian districts during his time in the public system. Despite recent government announcements about expanding psychological services, substantial improvements for the wider population remain uncertain.
Workplace support is equally lacking. While nearly half of European countries have implemented mental health prevention programmes, Italy has not. The 2025 survey revealed that 42% of workers reported their employers offered no mental health provision whatsoever.
A Necessary Revolution or Ethical Concern?
As AI therapy becomes increasingly widespread, it raises important questions. Some ethical concerns persist about the nature of relationships between vulnerable individuals and their digital therapists. Yet for many Italians, these digital tools represent their only accessible option.
"My AI therapist is always available to me, always calm and supporting," explains Giuseppe, who at 43 still lives with his parents due to financial constraints. "It has helped me immensely in examining my life and all the steps I need to take to change my life for the better."
In a country where mental health investment ranks lowest in the EU despite above-average prevalence of disorders, AI therapy offers a tantalising solution. Until systemic changes make traditional support more affordable and destigmatised, digital alternatives may remain the best option for millions seeking psychological help.
