Vermont AI Mental Health Services Law (H.816, Act 156)

The Vermont AI Mental Health Services Law (H.816, Act 156) regulates the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services. It prohibits offering AI systems as a substitute for licensed mental health treatment. The law was signed June 17, 2026 and has been in effect since that date.

Limits in the Vermont AI Mental Health Services Law

Licensed providers cannot rely on AI to make therapeutic decisions or deliver treatment independently. Clinical AI use is confined to supporting roles under professional responsibility.

Enforcement

Enforcement runs through Vermont’s Consumer Protection Act and is available to both the Attorney General and private plaintiffs from the date of enactment. Together with Rhode Island and Missouri, Vermont is part of the 2026 wave of states shutting down unsupervised therapy chatbots.

Health tech companies with Vermont users should map every AI feature against the supporting-role boundary the law draws.

Source: Vermont General Assembly: H.816 / Act 156

Report a violation: If you believe a business is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the Vermont Attorney General Consumer Assistance Program.