Therapists say they see more workers anxious about AI: It's 'a fear of becoming obsolete'

January 25, 2026 - 05:47

A growing number of professionals are bringing a new and pervasive worry into therapy sessions: a deep-seated fear of being replaced by artificial intelligence. Mental health practitioners across the country note a significant uptick in clients expressing anxiety about AI's rapid integration into the workplace.

This anxiety often manifests not as a singular concern, but as a multifaceted stressor. Workers report feeling constant pressure to keep pace with new AI tools, alongside a fundamental dread of professional obsolescence. The fear that their skills, experience, and roles could be rendered irrelevant is creating a palpable climate of uncertainty. For many, this translates into sleeplessness, diminished job satisfaction, and a looming sense that their career trajectory is no longer in their control.

Therapists observe that this is particularly acute in fields involving writing, analysis, administrative tasks, and even creative arts. The psychological impact goes beyond mere job security; it touches on identity and self-worth, as professions long central to a person's sense of purpose feel suddenly vulnerable. Experts emphasize that validating these concerns is a crucial first step, as this technological shift represents a genuine disruption. The therapeutic focus is increasingly shifting toward building resilience, adapting to change, and identifying the irreplaceably human elements of a client's role that AI cannot replicate.