Would you trust an AI with your deepest thoughts?

Author

Matt V
February 27, 2025

AI THERAPY

Thousands of students in the US are turning to Sonny, a chatbot designed to offer mental health support in schools where counsellors are in short supply.

Developed by Sonar Mental Health, Sonny isn’t just another AI chatbot, trained professionals in psychology and crisis support oversee it.

The goal is to give students a safe space to talk when they don’t have anyone else to turn to.

Here’s how it works:

  • A hybrid model: AI suggests responses, but human staff review and adjust messages to keep conversations supportive and appropriate.

  • Available when needed: Students can chat with Sonny from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. ET, covering late-night hours when anxiety often spikes.

  • Crisis response: If a student expresses thoughts of self-harm or violence, parents, schools, and authorities are alerted immediately.

With counsellor shortages in schools (one for every 376 students on average, instead of the recommended 1:250), Sonny is filling a gap.

Currently, it’s used in nine school districts, mainly in low-income and rural areas where mental health services are lacking.

Students say they appreciate having an always-available chat companion.

One senior, used Sonny to talk about college stress and personal loss, finding it helpful when she didn’t want to burden friends.

So, can AI help with mental health issues?

Experts say AI can support, but not replace, professional therapy.

Unlike human therapists, AI can’t read body language or pick up on subtle emotional cues.

However, schools using Sonny report positive results, including:

  • A 26% drop in behavioural issues at one Arkansas school.

  • Schools identifying at-risk students earlier, ensuring faster intervention.

  • AI-powered monitoring of social media (optional) to spot potential mental health concerns.

Sonny knows when you spiral

Sonar charges schools $20,000–$30,000 per year, usually covered by mental health grants.

The company, backed by $2.4 million in funding, hopes to expand Sonny’s reach and eventually offer 24/7 access.

While Sonny isn’t a replacement for human therapists, early results suggest AI-human hybrids like this could help bridge the gap in mental health support, especially in schools with limited resources.

Sonny: The AI bestie you trauma dump on at 2 a.m.