The Rhode Island AI Therapy Law, formally the Oversight of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Mental Health Care Act (S 2197 / H 7349), bars anyone from providing, advertising, or offering therapy or psychotherapy services in Rhode Island, including through internet-based AI, unless the services are conducted by a licensed professional. Signed June 22, 2026, it took effect upon passage. In practice this outlaws standalone AI therapy bots offered to the public.
How the Rhode Island AI Therapy Law Limits Clinical AI
Licensed clinicians may use AI only for administrative and supplementary support such as scheduling, billing, and note preparation, and only with the patient’s specific written consent when sessions are recorded or transcribed. AI may never make independent therapeutic decisions, interact with clients in therapeutic communication, generate treatment plans, or detect emotions or mental states.
Enforcement and Exemptions
The Department of Health can investigate violations. Religious counseling, peer support, and general self-help resources are exempt, so the law targets services holding themselves out as therapy rather than every supportive conversation tool. Companies with mental health adjacent products reaching Rhode Island users should review both their marketing language and their product behavior.
Source: Rhode Island General Assembly: S 2197
Report a violation: If you believe a business is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit.
