Quick Buzz Feed
UC San Diego researchers examine the rise of AI chatbots for youth mental health and introduce a five-pillar approach for the responsible evolution of AI care.
In the context of a youth mental health crisis and limited access to professional care, AI chatbots are increasingly seen as a solution. Data indicates that a significant percentage of young people, particularly those aged 18 to 21, use AI for mental health advice, with many seeking it monthly. UC San Diego researchers Cinnamon Bloss and Melissa Karnaze convened a panel that identified availability and a lack of judgment as the primary reasons youth turn to AI. They suggest that with thoughtful design and professional input, AI tools could expand access to mental health support without necessarily replacing human care.
While acknowledging the risks of unregulated chatbots, such as missing warning signs or reinforcing harmful narratives, Bloss and Karnaze emphasize the critical role of academia in guiding the responsible development of AI for emotional support. In a 2026 commentary in Nature Human Behaviour, they proposed a five-pillar approach: 1. Listen to user experiences to understand AI's appeal and risks; 2. Research rigorously to align with user interests; 3. Assess shifting preferences between AI and human therapy; 4. Monitor harms in the unregulated landscape; and 5. Prepare the workforce for a future where patients utilize AI tools.
To address the rapid advancements in AI and prepare future professionals, UC San Diego has initiated a public health course called EMPATh-AI (Evidence-Based Practices for Mental Health Providers and Applications of Therapeutic AI Tools). Co-directed by Bloss and Karnaze, this course aims to equip graduate students with the skills to critically evaluate AI mental health tools and effectively discuss their use with patients, recognizing that this technology is here to stay and evolving quickly.