A new nationwide survey suggests that AI chatbots are becoming a regular stop for young Americans seeking mental health guidance. The study found that 19.2% of adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 21 used AI for this purpose in 2025, up from 13.1% the year before.
Researchers estimate that this represents about 8.2 million young people. Among those who used AI for support, more than 90% said the responses felt helpful, showing how quickly conversational tools are becoming part of daily self-care routines.
Why AI feels accessible
Chatbots appeal to many users because they are available at any hour, do not require appointments, and can feel easier to approach than a person. For young people who may face barriers to professional care, that convenience matters. The survey also found that use was especially common among females and older teens.
At the same time, experts caution that a friendly response is not the same as clinically sound guidance. General-purpose AI systems are built to be conversational, but they are not designed as mental health tools. That makes accuracy, safety, and clear boundaries especially important.
A fast-moving habit
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, surveyed 1,727 people in November 2025 and used a weighted sample to reflect the US youth population. Participants were asked about their use of chatbots such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, My AI, Character.AI, and Meta AI when feeling sad, stressed, nervous, or angry.
Among AI users, 42.8% said they turned to chatbots at least monthly, while 10.8% did so weekly or more often. Notably, 63.3% did not tell a parent, doctor, or other adult about their AI use, which can make it harder to understand how these conversations shape well-being.
The findings also showed that AI advice is now approaching the level of professional counseling in this age group, with 19.2% using AI and 19.8% reporting counseling from a mental health professional. Researchers say the next step is to track whether this growing behavior can be guided toward safer, evidence-based support. The future may bring AI systems that complement care more responsibly and expand access for a generation that already lives online.
