Artificial Intelligence: Insights from the Human Side of Healing (Master’s Thesis) – Study 1: Canadians’ Usage of and Experiences with ChatGPT Therapy

Title: Artificial Intelligence: Insights from the Human Side of Healing (Master’s Thesis) – Study 1: Canadians’ Usage of and Experiences with ChatGPT Therapy

Description: The researcher is seeking to understand the use of ChatGPT for therapy in Canada by interviewing users of ChatGPT therapy. A $50 honorarium is being offered to participants of this study.

Eligibility Criteria - Participants must:
- have documentation allowing Canadian residence for minimum 2 years
- currently reside in Canada
- be over the age of 18
- have used ChatGPT for therapy at 2-10 times inclusive
- be willing to discuss their experiences with using ChatGPT for therapy
- be willing and able to bring ChatGPT therapy transcripts to support their interview responses (will not be asked to read out their transcripts)
- be willing and able to converse (understand, speak) in English during the interview
- not be experiencing suicide ideation and must not have experienced it in the last 12 months
- not be experiencing homicide/harm of others ideation and must not have experienced it in the last 12 months
- not be experiencing self-injury ideation and must not have experienced it in the last 12 months
- not have been diagnosed with a personality disorder
- not currently or in the last 12 months have/have had reason to believe they may have a personality disorder
- not be experiencing psychosis and must not have experienced it in the last 12 months
- be willing and able to be recorded (audio only)

Specifics: Study Population:
This study is seeking English-speaking adults who have used ChatGPT for therapy who are living in Canada (see study description above for full eligibility criteria).

Participant Obligation:
Prospective participants may self-identify as eligible based on above criteria, email Payton to view and submit informed consent, then participate in a 1-hour University of Manitoba Zoom interview to discuss their experiences.

Please email Payton (student researcher) at chanp1@myumanitoba.ca if interested in participating.

Location: Online - Winnipeg

Project lead: Payton Chan, Supervisor: Dr. Virginia Tze

Study Dates: June 8, 2026 to November 30, 2026