The nation's peak body for psychology is urging for caution in the roll out of emerging digital mental health services (DMHS).
Australian Psychological Society (APS) president Kelly Gough warns digital and AIbased mental health solutions must be "integrated with models of care based in human relationships and experience".
"With the current cost of living crisis, Australians are finding it harder than ever to access vital mental health services and we know the popularity of AI and DMHS is growing," Dr Gough said.
"However, there are significant gaps in our collective understanding about the use, experiences and consequences of AI by Australians and the potential risks involved.
"The APS recognises the substantial benefits and potential risks associated with AI applications in healthcare and wants to maximise the opportunities they can afford both safely and ethically."
Dr Gough said there were concerns rapidly-evolving AI and digital mental health services could create new problems or exacerbate existing inequities and have "detrimental effects on the mental health and wellbeing of Australians".
"Psychologists are not opposed to innovation, but we are concerned about the impact of poorly regulated digital tools on training pathways, early career practice and clinical responsibility," he said.
"AI tools must support and never substitute for professional judgement, ethical care and human relationships ... (requiring) careful design, evaluation, and integration with the existing psychology workforce.
"We urgently need psychology-informed solutions which benefit patients, health professionals, policy makers and the Australian community."
The APS's concerns have been raised in its 2026-27 prebudget submission.