A national survey conducted in the US examined the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for mental health advice among 42.8 million adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 21 years. In 2025, 19.2% of adolescents and young adults reported turning to AI chatbots for mental health guidance. Among them, 42.8% engaged with chatbots at least once a month, and 91.7% considered the advice they received to be somewhat or very helpful.
However, 63.3% said they had never told anyone about their use of chatbots for mental health support. Higher rates of chatbot use were observed among females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.10), individuals aged 18 to 21 years (aOR, 3.65), and those who had discussed their mental health with a physician within the previous six months (aOR, 1.89). The findings suggest that AI chatbots have become a commonly used source of mental health support among young…
