Teens Increased Use of AI for Mental Health Advice
Nearly 1 in 5 young people turned to AI for support last year, prompting new guidance on digital health habits.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Teens
Live Poll
Do you believe relying on AI for personal advice weakens your ability to build human connections?
Data from 2025 revealed that nearly 1 in 5 young people sought mental health advice from artificial intelligence. This shift in behavior marks a 50% increase in AI-based mental health support compared to the previous year.
Why it matters
Experts emphasize that AI-driven support may influence developing perceptions and behaviors, as teens increasingly bypass traditional interpersonal communication for instant digital gratification. The American Psychological Association issued a formal advisory to address how these tools shape youth mental health.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 1 in 5 young people accessed AI for advice, with 70% of those users engaging with the apps at least monthly. Notably, 63.3% of participants did not disclose their use of these chatbots to others.
The players
American Psychological Association
The leading scientific and professional organization representing psychologists that establishes standards for mental health care and policy.
Journal of the American Medical Association
A peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes original research and clinical studies on public health and medical interventions.
The details
Teenagers access generative AI applications to produce humanlike text for mental health advice and instrumental tasks. Many adolescents use these tools as a substitute for traditional communication with family, friends, or trusted adults, often seeking them out for instant support during difficult personal situations.
Timeline
In 2025, nearly 1 in 5 young people used AI for mental health advice.
Health Landscape
This trend marks a significant shift in how adolescents access behavioral health support relative to the standards set by the American Psychological Association health advisory on youth mental health. It sits against an evolving backdrop where digital tools increasingly compete with traditional, clinician-led models of care.
If your teen is using AI companion apps, it is worth discussing the difference between a chat interface and professional mental health support. Focus on maintaining open communication about their personal stressors to ensure they feel comfortable seeking help from trusted adults.
The takeaway
While AI chatbots offer immediate responses, they lack the clinical nuance and interpersonal depth required for addressing complex mental health issues. If a teen is experiencing persistent emotional difficulty, encourage a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Further reading
For more on the challenges and digital habits of today's youth, explore our Teens section.
Live Poll
Do you believe relying on AI for personal advice weakens your ability to build human connections?
