AI Chatbots Increasingly Used for Mental Health Support Among US Youth
WASHINGTON,D.C. – A new study reveals that over 5.4 million adolescents and young adults in the united States-representing 13.1% of the youth population-are turning to generative AI chatbots for mental health advice, a figure that highlights a growing trend of digital self-care and raises critical questions about access, safety, and the future of mental healthcare. The research, published November 6, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, provides the first national snapshot of this emerging behavior.
The study found that those aged 18 and older reported higher rates of AI use for mental health (22.2%) compared to younger adolescents.Of those utilizing AI for support, a notable majority (65.5%) engage at least monthly, and an overwhelming 92.7% report finding the advice helpful. This comes amid a well-documented youth mental health crisis, with rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation steadily climbing in recent years, straining existing mental health resources.
researchers from the study, lead by R.K. McBain, R. Bozick, M. Diliberti, and colleagues, analyzed data from a nationally representative survey. While no demographic or socioeconomic factors were found to be substantially associated with AI use for mental health advice, the study acknowledges several limitations.Data relied on self-reporting, potentially introducing bias, and the sample was limited to english-speaking youths with internet access, impacting generalizability.
The cross-sectional design of the study prevents establishing a causal link between AI use and mental health outcomes. Furthermore,the research did not evaluate the quality,accuracy,or potential risks associated with the AI-provided advice,nor how users integrate it with professional mental healthcare. Researchers also caution that findings may evolve as AI chatbot technology advances and usage patterns change.
Despite these caveats,the study underscores the increasing role of AI in young peopleS mental wellbeing and calls for further investigation into the implications for trust,safety,and the potential for AI to supplement-but not replace-traditional mental health support.
References
- McBain RK, Bozick R, Diliberti M, et al. Use of generative AI for mental health advice among US adolescents and young adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(11):e2542281. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.42281
- Mental illness. NIH. Last updated September 2024. Accessed November 6, 2025. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
