AI Assistants Step In to Fill Emotional Support Gaps for Young People
Young people are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence assistants for emotional support, with nearly a quarter of those aged 18-21 using AI tools for mental health advice. This trend raises concerns in light of the youth mental health crisis and limited access to care.
According to Cinnamon Bloss, a licensed clinical psychologist at UC San Diego’s Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, young people are seeking out AI assistants as trusted sources of support. ‘They’re looking for safe adults, but when those supports aren’t available, they turn to what is accessible,’ she explained.
As AI integration becomes a ubiquitous part of daily life, concerns arise that unregulated chatbots may miss warning signs or provide inappropriate advice in mental health contexts.
A panel convened by Bloss and Melissa Karnaze discussed the benefits and risks of using AI for companionship, therapy, and emotional support. The teenagers who participated identified availability and lack of judgment as primary reasons they turn to AI.
Some view AI as a tool to fill gaps in care, but Bloss emphasized that thoughtful design and involvement from mental health professionals are essential to ensuring responsible AI evolution. ‘With careful consideration, AI tools could help expand access to care rather than replace it,’ she said.
To address concerns about AI’s impact on emotional support, academia must stay actively engaged in guiding the development of these tools. Bloss and Karnaze outlined a five-pillar approach: Listen, Research, Assess, Monitor harms, and Prepare, as published in their 2026 commentary in Nature Human Behaviour.
The ‘Listen’ pillar involves reflecting on real people’s lived experiences to understand what makes AI appealing or risky. This requires research agendas that align with user interests and preferences.
Developing a comprehensive understanding of how users interact with AI tools for emotional support is the focus of the second pillar, Research. It aims to provide insights into AI usage patterns and effectiveness in providing mental health advice.
Assessing shifting preferences and values regarding AI versus human therapy is crucial in maintaining critical oversight of unregulated chatbots. This helps identify areas where AI may be misused or where it could provide benefits over traditional therapy methods.
At UC San Diego, healthcare professionals are being prepared to handle a world with increased patient use of AI tools through a new public health course co-directed by Bloss and Karnaze titled EMPATh-AI: Evidence-Based Practices for Mental Health Providers and Applications of Therapeutic AI Tools. This course equips graduate students to critically evaluate AI tools and engage in thoughtful conversations with patients about their use.
The rapid evolution of AI technology demands that healthcare professionals stay adaptable and empowered to navigate its complexities, ensuring a seamless integration into clinical workflows and expanding access to care.