In a Reason piece opposing Illinois's ban on AI therapy, Ash appears as a leading example of the technology, including a demonstration in which it walks a user through cognitive diffusion to gain "a little distance" from a difficult thought.
Reason's argument against Illinois's ban on AI therapy cites Ash, from Slingshot AI, as a prominent example of the tools the law would restrict. Author Emma Camp contends the ban is "misguided" and does more to shield the mental health establishment from competition than to protect patients. The piece includes a short demonstration of Ash guiding a user through cognitive diffusion, with the app explaining, "The thought didn't disappear, but you got a little distance from it," an illustration of the techniques Ash draws on. While Ash is one example among several in a broader policy argument, the framing is favorable, treating purpose-built AI therapy as a legitimate way to widen access rather than a danger to be banned.
