Teens Increased Use of AI for Mental Health Advice
Nearly one in five young people used AI for mental health support in 2025, according to a recent study.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Teens
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Data from 2025 revealed that nearly one in five young people sought mental health advice from artificial intelligence. This shift in habits among adolescents represents a nearly 50% increase compared to the previous year.
Why it matters
Adolescents are increasingly turning to AI for instant emotional support and assistance with difficult situations instead of consulting trusted adults. The American Psychological Association has responded to this trend by issuing a health advisory regarding how AI influences young people's perceptions and behaviors.
Approximately 70% of adolescents who try AI companion apps use them at least monthly, with half reporting regular use. Notably, 63.3% of study participants who used chatbots for mental health advice kept their interactions private and did not disclose the habit to others.
The players
American Psychological Association
A major professional organization that sets standards for mental health care and recently issued a health advisory on AI use by youth.
The details
Teenagers access these generative AI applications to produce humanlike text for mental health advice and daily instrumental tasks. By choosing chatbots over traditional communication with family or friends, adolescents prioritize the instant gratification provided by these automated tools during personal challenges.
Timeline
In 2025, nearly 1 in 5 young people used AI for mental health advice.
The Home Front
This trend marks a significant shift in adolescent communication, moving away from traditional peer and family support systems toward automated digital alternatives. It follows the guidance provided by the American Psychological Association's youth AI advisory regarding safety and mental health.
Open a conversation with your teenager about the resources they use for support when they feel overwhelmed. Monitor the types of apps installed on their devices and encourage them to view human mentors as the primary source for sensitive personal advice.
The takeaway
Teenagers are increasingly relying on AI for privacy and instant responses to personal problems. Keep a check on your family's digital habits by maintaining regular, open lines of communication that emphasize the value of human connection over automated responses.
Further reading
For more on managing digital wellness in your household, visit our Teens section.
Live Poll
Do you believe relying on AI for personal advice weakens your ability to build human connections?
