Young People Turning to AI Chatbots for Mental Health Advice, Study Finds

About one in five young people now turn to AI chatbots for mental health advice, according to research published in JAMA Pediatrics in July 2026. The finding has prompted concern among mental health professionals about what happens when a teenager in crisis gets guidance from a machine.

The study surveyed adolescents and young adults about their use of AI tools for emotional support, information about mental health conditions, and advice during difficult moments. Researchers found that many young people prefer chatbots because they are available at any hour, do not judge, and do not require an appointment.

Mental health professionals acknowledge those advantages but point to serious risks. AI chatbots are not trained clinicians. They cannot assess suicide risk the way a trained therapist can. They may give inaccurate information about medications or treatment options. And they cannot call for help if a user is in immediate danger.

The Psychiatric Times reported separately on what researchers are calling the "Bixonimania" controversy, in which large language models cited fabricated studies as real when asked about mental health treatments. The incident highlighted the risk of AI systems generating plausible-sounding but false medical information.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has not issued formal guidance on AI chatbots for mental health, but several child psychiatrists have called for clearer labeling of AI tools and better crisis protocols. Some platforms have added crisis hotline information to their interfaces, but implementation varies widely.

The broader context is a mental health system under strain. Wait times for adolescent psychiatric care can stretch for months in many parts of the country. School counselors are often overloaded. For young people who cannot access professional care, AI chatbots fill a gap, even if imperfectly.