1 in 5 Teens Turn to AI Chatbots for Mental Health Advice, Survey Finds
Key Takeaways
- 22% of young people aged 13-24 have used AI chatbots for mental health support
- Most teens did not tell parents or therapists about their chatbot use
- 13% of under-18 users accessed chatbots during moments of crisis or suicidal ideation
- California and New York have passed laws requiring safeguards on mental health chatbots
- Experts urge parents to talk openly with teens about AI chatbot risks
Approximately one in five young people have used AI chatbots for mental health advice, according to a new national survey that has mental health professionals and policymakers calling for urgent safeguards.
The survey, conducted by the National Academy of Medicine and published in June 2026, found that 22% of respondents aged 13-24 had turned to AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or specialized mental health chatbots for teens for emotional support, advice on managing anxiety or depression, or help during a mental health crisis.
Worrying Trends
While the accessibility of AI chatbots offers potential benefits for a generation struggling with limited access to mental health care, the survey also revealed concerning patterns:
- Most teens who used AI for mental health advice did not tell their parents or a therapist
- 13% of users under 18 had accessed chatbots specifically during moments of crisis or suicidal ideation
- 22% of users over 18 had asked chatbots to act as a therapist or counselor
- Many users assumed chatbots were clinically validated or professionally supervised
What Can Go Wrong
A separate study from Brown University researchers found that AI chatbots prompted to act like counselors could violate basic mental health ethics in several ways:
- Reinforcing false beliefs rather than gently challenging them
- Creating a false sense of empathy and emotional connection
- Mishandling crisis situations where immediate human intervention is needed
- Failing to recognize when a user’s condition is deteriorating over the course of a conversation
Testing by Mpathic, a Seattle-based research organization, found that leading chatbots mostly avoid giving dangerously wrong answers to direct questions about suicide. However, they struggle significantly when mental health risks show up subtly or unfold over long conversations.
New Legislation
In response to these concerns, California and New York have passed laws requiring safeguards to prevent chatbots from exacerbating thoughts of suicide or self-harm. The laws require chatbot providers to:
- Direct users to crisis service providers when suicidal ideation is detected
- Clearly disclose that the chatbot is not a licensed mental health professional
- Implement monitoring systems to detect escalating mental health crises
- Provide transparency reports on adverse events
The Access Problem
The underlying driver of this trend is a stark reality: mental health care is simply not accessible to many young people. The average wait time for a first appointment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the United States is 3-6 months, and many areas have no pediatric mental health specialists at all.
“Young people are going to AI chatbots because they have nowhere else to turn,” said Dr. Rebecca Torres, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at UCLA. “The solution isn’t to take away the chatbots — it’s to make real mental health care accessible while we figure out how to make AI safer.”
Recommendations for Parents
Mental health experts recommend that parents talk openly with their teens about AI chatbot use, establish guidelines, and ensure that chatbots are never used as a replacement for professional mental health care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AI chatbots safe for mental health advice?
AI chatbots are not clinically validated and should not replace professional mental health care. While they can offer emotional support, studies show they may mishandle crisis situations, reinforce false beliefs, or fail to recognize deteriorating mental health conditions.
How many teens use AI for mental health?
According to a June 2026 National Academy of Medicine survey, 22% of young people aged 13-24 have used AI chatbots for mental health advice. That is roughly 1 in 5 teens and young adults.
What laws regulate AI mental health chatbots?
California and New York have passed laws requiring chatbots to direct users to crisis services when suicidal ideation is detected, clearly disclose they are not licensed professionals, and implement monitoring systems for escalating mental health crises.
Image credit: Ibraim Leonardo / Pexels
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
