In this episode of Therapy Tech and Takeout, hosts Toni and Jackie dive into the intersection of technology and mental health, discussing the rise and fall of Yara AI, an innovative therapeutic tool that was ultimately deemed unsafe. They explore the ethical implications of AI in therapy, the importance of recognizing the difference between wellness and clinical care, and the significance of stopping and reflecting in tech development. The conversation highlights the need for transparency and cultural awareness in mental health care, emphasizing that AI should complement, not replace, human intuition.

Link to this week's article

https://fortune.com/2025/11/28/yara-ai-therapy-app-founder-shut-down-startup-decided-too-dangerous-serious-mental-health-issues/

Link to the Ori umbrella

https://oriworld.co

Keywords

Therapy, AI, Mental Health, Ethics, Innovation, Technology, Wellness, Clinical Care, Yara AI, Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season Two

01:54 Gifts and Innovations

03:46 The Story of Yara AI

07:43 Integrity in AI Development

11:21 The Blurry Line Between Wellness and Clinical Care

15:12 Regulatory Perspectives on AI in Therapy

18:55 The Importance of Knowing When to Stop

21:37 Future Directions in AI and Mental Health