As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, more people are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support and mental health advice.
AI may be able to answer at 2am. It may even sound like it understands. But mental health professionals warn that when someone is anxious, depressed, traumatised or in crisis, sounding human is not the same as being human.
That is the concern growing around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for mental health support, as more people turn to tools such as ChatGPT for answers about stress, anxiety, depression and emotional distress.
In the UK, "Mental Health UK" reported in November 2025 that 37% of adults had used AI chatbots to support their mental health or well-being.
By July 2026, mental health charity Mind was also warning that some people were choosing AI chatbots instead of formal support such as talking therapies.
