India, April 7 -- Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from fixing grammar to writing emails, creating art and even offering emotional support. As more people turn to AI for comfort and late-night conversations, experts say it raises a critical question: where should one draw the line between support and substitution in mental health care? Delhi-based counselling psychologist Damini Grover says AI is increasingly being used as a first point of contact. "People are using AI for comfort, especially when they don't want to burden others or when therapy feels inaccessible," she explains. The appeal lies in its immediacy, a response that is quick, structured and non-judgmental. This comes at a time when mental health access remains uneven. With a shortage of trained professionals and high costs, especially in countries like India, AI offers a more accessible alternative. It is available round the clock, can help users name emotions, and even suggest coping tools such as journaling or grounding exercises. Studies on AI-driven conversational tools also suggest they may help ease short-term distress. However, experts caution against over-reliance. "Mental health is more than just advice or information. It is about relationships," Grover says, adding that healing happens through real human connection. Unlike AI, trained therapists observe tone, pauses and behavioural patterns over time, helping identify deeper issues such as trauma responses. "AI can validate you, but it cannot embody empathy or respond to emotional complexity in the same way," she notes. There are also critical limitations. AI cannot offer co-regulation, assess risk with accountability or take responsibility for care in high-risk situations. "It answers, but it doesn't hold," Grover says. While AI may help people take the first step and normalise conversations around mental health, experts emphasise that it cannot replace therapy. "It may give you the words, but healing requires being seen by another human," she adds....