AI BOT
The chatbot couch
More young people are using AI chatbots for mental health support.
A new study in JAMA Pediatrics found that nearly 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults have used tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI or Character.AI when feeling stressed, angry or sad.
That equals around 8 million people, up from 1 in 8 in 2024.
This is happening as many young people struggle to access proper mental health care.
In 2024, 15% of 12- to 17-year-olds had a major depressive episode, but around 40% did not receive treatment.
Cost, long waiting lists and a shortage of professionals remain major barriers.
For some young people, chatbots may feel quicker, easier or less intimidating than speaking to someone.
But these tools are not licensed or regulated to provide mental health treatment.
Here’s what you should know:
AI chatbots are becoming a regular source of mental health support for young people.
Many users are keeping it private.
Experts say stronger safeguards are needed for crisis-related conversations.
Help, unverified
Researchers have also warned that chatbots can give unsafe or inappropriate advice on serious issues such as suicide, substance use or sexual assault.
One 2025 study found that more than two dozen AI chatbots failed to give a fully adequate response to someone at risk of suicide.
The latest survey also found that more than 40% of young people who used chatbots for mental health support did so at least once a month.
More than 60% had not told anyone they were using AI in this way.
The concern is not that young people are looking for help online. It is that many are turning to tools that were not built to replace trained professionals.
Stressed, angry, sad? That’s basically the entirety of adolescence, no? - MV