Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday life, especially for young people. For a generation that has grown up online, turning to AI for advice can seem natural, and many students now use AI to help them navigate relationship issues or talk through personal challenges. Platforms like ChatGPT may feel friendly and are available at any time. But when it comes to mental health, the conversation becomes more complicated.
While AI can indeed provide helpful information in some contexts, experts warn that many widely used, general AI platforms are not designed to provide therapy or respond safely to someone in emotional crisis. As AI tools become more accessible, it’s important for parents, educators, and caregivers to understand both the opportunities and risks.
Why Youth Are Turning to AI for Support
Access to mental health care can be limited for youth due to cost, waitlists, stigma, or lack of local resources. AI tools may seem appealing because they are often free and right at young people’s fingertips. For teens who feel uncomfortable speaking to adults about their struggles, a chatbot might feel like a safe place to start.
In some ways, AI can be helpful depending on how it is used. For example, AI tools that provide notifications and reminders for mood-tracking or journaling can support a positive change in behaviour, helping users build mental wellness habits. However, they can also come with substantial risks.
The Risks of Using General AI Chatbots for Mental Health Advice
Popular AI platforms like ChatGPT or Gemini are general-purpose conversational tools. They are trained to generate text based on patterns in large datasets, not to provide clinical mental health care. This raises concerns for all users, but especially for youth.
AI Cannot Replace a Mental Health Professional
A licensed psychotherapist brings human judgment and clinical training to their interactions with clients. They can assess risk, read subtle emotional cues, and most importantly, respond appropriately when someone is in crisis. AI, at least in its current form, cannot do this in the same way that mental health professionals can.
While chatbots can generate responses that sound empathetic, they cannot reliably assess whether someone may be at risk of harming themselves or others. Research shows that when chatbots are prompted with scenarios involving suicidal thoughts or hallucinations, they sometimes validate those beliefs or encourage harmful behaviour instead of redirecting the user toward professional help. These findings highlight a key concern: AI can sound supportive while still giving unsafe guidance.
Limited Understanding of Personal Context
Mental health support requires understanding the complex interaction between a person’s environment, relationships, and lived experiences. AI chatbots do not truly “know” the person they are speaking with. They cannot see body language, hear tone of voice, or recognize subtle emotional shifts.
Mental health professionals have identified several potential issues with generative AI in therapy, including:
- Incorrect or misleading treatment recommendations
- Limited understanding of personal background
- Over-reliance on AI instead of seeking professional help
- Privacy and data concerns
Vulnerable Youth May Trust AI Too Much
One of the biggest challenges with conversational AI is that it can feel human. When a chatbot’s responses seem empathetic and knowledgeable, young users may assume the advice is trustworthy or medically informed even when it is not.
Chatbots created mainly for entertainment are not based on peer-reviewed research and may produce unpredictable responses when someone asks for mental health advice. In some cases, relying on these tools could delay or prevent young people from seeking help from a trained professional.
The Difference Between General AI and Mental Health-Specific AI
It’s important to note that AI itself is not inherently harmful. The key difference lies in how the technology is designed and tested.
Some emerging AI tools are being developed specifically for mental health education and support, with guidance from mental health experts and neuroscientists. One example is GiGi, a multilingual mental health coach created by Impactful Networks. Rather than acting as a diagnostic tool, GiGi focuses on providing preventative support. Tools like this aim to complement, not replace, professional care.
We also spoke with Scilla Andreen, Founder and CEO of Impactful Networks, on our podcast, Stigma-Free Voices: A Mental Health Podcast.
What Parents and Educators Can Do
Experts suggest focusing on education, open conversation, and digital literacy. Here are a few ways adults can help guide young people using AI:
Talk About How AI Works
Explain that AI tools generate responses based on patterns, which is different from “human” understanding or expertise. This helps youth learn to approach AI responses critically rather than blindly trusting them.
Encourage Human Support
Make it clear that when they need help, they should talk to a trusted person in their lives instead of relying on AI. Encourage young people to reach out to:
- Parents or caregivers
- Teachers or school counsellors
- Mental health professionals
- Trusted friends or mentors
Social support remains one of the most powerful protective factors for mental wellbeing.
Discuss Privacy and Data
Remind youth that anything shared with an AI platform may be stored or used to train future systems. Sensitive personal information should always be handled carefully online.
Introduce Reliable Mental Health Resources
If young people are curious about mental health tools, you can explore trusted, evidence-informed resources with them, including those in the Student Mental Health Toolkit.
Takeaways and Stigma-Free Resources
AI is transforming how we access information and learn. Used responsibly, it may help expand mental health education and make guidance more accessible. But when it comes to diagnosis, therapy, or crisis support, AI is not a substitute for trained professionals.
For parents and educators, the goal is not to create fear around technology, but to foster informed, thoughtful use. By helping youth understand both the possibilities and limitations of AI, we can help them build healthy digital habits and strong support networks.
If you’re looking for more resources on youth mental health, we invite you to explore the no-cost tools offered through our Stigma-Free School Program. Educators and caregivers will find classroom activities, guidance, and learning materials that increase mental health awareness at school and at home.
References
Abrams, Z. (2025, March 12). Using generic AI chatbots for mental health support: A dangerous trend.
Feng, X., Tian, L., Ho, G. W. K., Yorke, J., & Hui, V. (2025). The Effectiveness of AI chatbots in alleviating mental distress and promoting health behaviors among adolescents and young Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27, e79850.
Gardner, S. (2025, December 3). Experts caution against using AI chatbots for emotional support. Teachers College – Columbia University.
Hipgrave, L., Goldie, J., Dennis, S., & Coleman, A. (2025). Balancing risks and benefits: clinicians’ perspectives on the use of generative AI chatbots in mental healthcare. Frontiers in Digital Health, 7, 1606291.
Author: Monique Zizzo
