AI Chatbot Use and Disclosure for Mental Health Among US Adolescents and Young Adults

Why It Matters

The findings reveal that AI chatbots are already a significant part of youth mental‑health support, prompting clinicians and parents to address safety and integration with evidence‑based care.

Key Takeaways

• 19.2% of US youth used AI chatbots for mental health in 2025.
• 42.8% of users consulted chatbots at least monthly.
• 91.7% rated chatbot advice somewhat or very helpful.
• Females twice as likely as males to use mental‑health chatbots.
• Only 36.7% disclosed chatbot use to anyone.

Pulse Analysis

The rapid diffusion of generative AI tools has reshaped how young Americans seek mental‑health information. While traditional services remain strained, chat‑based agents offer instant, anonymous interaction, making them attractive to a generation accustomed to digital communication. This survey, the first to capture a nationally weighted sample of over 42 million youth, quantifies that roughly one‑in‑five adolescents already rely on AI for emotional support, underscoring a shift in the mental‑health ecosystem.

Beyond raw usage rates, the data expose demographic nuances. Female respondents were more than twice as likely to turn to chatbots, and older teens (18‑21) showed a nearly four‑fold higher propensity than early adolescents. Prior engagement with a physician also correlated with higher chatbot adoption, suggesting that clinical contact may raise awareness of digital adjuncts. Yet, a striking 63.3% of users kept this behavior private, raising concerns about unmonitored reliance on non‑clinical advice and potential misinformation.

For clinicians, educators, and policymakers, the study signals an urgent need to integrate AI literacy into mental‑health curricula and routine care discussions. Proactive conversations can help families gauge the credibility of chatbot outputs, set realistic expectations, and ensure seamless referrals to evidence‑based services when needed. As regulatory frameworks evolve, stakeholders should prioritize safety standards, transparency about data handling, and ongoing research to monitor outcomes associated with AI‑mediated mental‑health support.