Chatbot Laws · verified Oct. 21, 2026
Bars anyone from offering therapy or psychotherapy to the public in Illinois, including through Internet-based AI, unless a licensed professional conducts it. Licensed professionals may use AI only for administrative or supplementary support, and may not let AI make therapeutic decisions, hold therapeutic conversations with clients, or detect emotions.
Who must comply
Any individual, corporation or entity offering therapy or psychotherapy services to the public in Illinois, and the licensed professionals (psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists and similar; physicians are excluded) who use AI in their practice. Religious counseling, peer support and public self-help or educational materials that do not purport to offer therapy are exempt (Sec. 35).
What it requires
| Therapy and licensed titles | Only a licensed professional may provide, advertise or offer therapy or psychotherapy services to the public, including through Internet-based AI. A licensed professional may use AI only for administrative or supplementary support, and may not allow AI to make independent therapeutic decisions, directly interact with clients in any form of therapeutic communication, generate treatment recommendations or plans without the professional's review and approval, or detect emotions or mental states.Sec. 15 and Sec. 20(a)-(b) |
|---|---|
| Other duties | Where a client's session is recorded or transcribed, a licensed professional may use AI for supplementary support only after telling the client (or the client's legally authorized representative) in writing that AI will be used and for what specific purpose, and getting their written consent. Records and communications between client and professional stay confidential except as the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act requires.Sec. 15(b) and Sec. 25 |
Enforcement
| Enforced by | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional RegulationSec. 30 |
|---|---|
| Private lawsuits | Not stated |
| Penalties | Civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation, set by the Department based on the degree of harm and the circumstances, assessed after a hearing under Section 2105-100 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law; payable within 60 days of the order, which operates as a judgment. The Department may investigate actual, alleged or suspected violations. The Act is silent on private lawsuits. |
Key dates
- Whole Act takes effect
Related laws
- Illinois SB 316Artificial Intelligence Companion Model Safety ActPassed both chambers
Sources
- Bill Status of HB1806, Illinois General Assembly Supports: vote dates, Governor approval Aug 1, 2025, Public Act number.
- Public Act 104-0054 full text, Illinois General Assembly Supports: all operative sections, penalties, effective date (Sec. 99).
- 225 ILCS 155/35, Illinois Compiled Statutes Supports: codification at 225 ILCS 155.