Ep. 19 AI and Mental Health Care through a Psychoanalytic Lens with Dr. Amy Levy

In this episode of "Psychoanalysis and You," host Dr. Gail Saltz talks with Dr. Amy Levy, clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and co-chair of APsA’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence, about how AI is reshaping mental health, relationships, and self-understanding. Dr. Levy approaches AI as a “new other” in our psychological lives, exploring why it is so compelling and what unconscious needs it may be responding to. Drawing on psychoanalytic theory, she examines the appeal of AI relationships, the risks of emotional dependency and belief amplification, and the limits of AI in providing meaningful mental health care. The conversation also addresses whether AI could replace therapists, how psychoanalysts can engage in public discussions about emerging technology, and what parents should consider as children grow up immersed in AI-driven environments. Together, Drs. Saltz and Levy emphasize curiosity, reflection, and the enduring importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. Dr. Levy's new book “The New Other: Alien Intelligence and the Innovation Drive" publishes in January 2026 (Karnac) and a virtual book launch event is on Sunday, January 18. Find the book here: https://www.karnacbooks.com/product/t... Register for the book launch here: https://apsa.org/event/opus-book-laun... Dr. Amy Levy is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst who trained in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California. Dr. Levy chairs the American Psychoanalytic Association’s (APsA’s) Commission on Artificial Intelligence (CAI), serves on the subcommittee “Artificial Intelligence” for the International Psychoanalytical Association’s (IPA’s) committee, Psychoanalysis and Technology, and on the Editorial Board of The Psychoanalytic Quarterly. She teaches and lectures internationally on the intersection of psychoanalysis and artificial intelligence. Her other publication topics include intergenerational transmission of trauma, adolescent post-traumatic stress disorder in the civil legal arena, and Bionian theory. Dr. Levy is faculty at the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas (PCC), and maintains a private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Our host, Dr. Gail Saltz, is best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional wellbeing, and mental health contributor in the media where she is a go-to expert for commentary on the mental health aspects of current/breaking issues and news. She is a bestselling author of numerous books. She serves on the public information committee for the American Psychoanalytic Association and for The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry. "Psychoanalysis & You” is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA). We explore the intricacies of psychoanalysis under the guidance of our host, Gail Saltz. Founded in 1911, the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) is the oldest national psychoanalytic organization in the nation. APsA is committed to being a professional membership organization for psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists, academics, researchers, students, and other interested people – all whose work is profoundly informed by psychoanalytic theory and values, and to supporting their education and continuing professional development.