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ARTICLE · 18 AUGUST 2025

New Illinois Law Restricts AI Use In Therapy Sessions

Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP
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On Aug. 4, 2025, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act (WOPR) into law. WOPR establishes Illinois as one of the first states to place legal boundaries...

United StatesTechnology
Zachary Heck
Zachary Heck
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On Aug. 4, 2025, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act (WOPR) into law. WOPR establishes Illinois as one of the first states to place legal boundaries around AI behavioral healthcare. WOPR is particularly significant because, according to an April 2025 study from the Harvard Business Review, the top use of generative AI and LLMs is therapy and companionship. WOPR, at least for users in Illinois, significantly restricts that top use case in several material ways.

Only Qualified (Human) Professionals Can Offer Therapy

WOPR requires that therapy and psychotherapy services be provided only by qualified, licensed, or certified professionals recognized by the state. This includes psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, certified addiction counselors, professional music therapists, and advanced practice psychiatric nurses. In addition to machines and chatbots, physicians, clergy

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