CA SB 903
California SB 903 (Mental Health Professionals: Artificial Intelligence)
Would bar the use of AI to record or transcribe psychotherapy sessions, or to triage/screen a person for psychotherapy, without the patient's informed consent; prohibit advertising or offering psychotherapy services through companion chatbots (including claiming a chatbot is a therapist); and bar AI from making independent therapeutic decisions.
Jurisdiction
California
Enacted
Pending
Effective
TBD
Enforcement
Relevant healthcare professional licensing boards (remedies via Business and Professions Code section 125.5)
Passed the Senate May 19, 2026 (39-0); received in the Assembly and referred to the Committees on Business & Professions and Privacy & Consumer Protection as of May 26, 2026. Not yet enacted.
California Legislative InformationWhy It Matters
Targets AI standing in for licensed psychotherapy and the marketing of companion chatbots as therapists - directly adjacent to AI mental-health and companion safety.
Recent Developments
Passed the Senate 39-0 on May 19, 2026; referred to Assembly policy committees on May 26, 2026.
At a Glance
Applies to
Requires
Who Must Comply
- Licensed mental health professionals using AI in their practice
- Entities offering psychotherapy-style companion chatbots to California users
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- No AI recording/transcription of psychotherapy communications or AI triage/screening without prior disclosure and the patient's informed consent
- Prohibits advertising or purporting to offer psychotherapy services through companion chatbots, including claiming a chatbot is a therapist
- Prohibits AI from making independent therapeutic decisions
- AI handling of patient records must comply with the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act; bars sharing/selling/training on psychotherapy data inconsistent with law
Compliance & Enforcement
Penalties
Enforced by the applicable licensing board through remedies authorized by law (injunctions or restraining orders, disciplinary action against licensees); no statutory per-violation amount specified in the bill.
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California
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
California. (n.d.). California SB 903 (Mental Health Professionals: Artificial Intelligence).
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Last updated June 20, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.