77% of Psychologists Report Patients Using AI for Mental Health

Patients Increasingly Turn to AI Chatbots for Mental Health Support

More than three-quarters of U.S. psychologists now have patients who discuss using artificial intelligence for mental health purposes, according to a new survey from the American Psychological Association. The findings reveal how rapidly AI chatbots have become part of the mental health landscape—and the concerns that come with it.

The survey of over 1,200 psychologists found that 77% reported patients using AI for emotional support, self-diagnosis, companionship, or other mental health-related functions. The data, first reported by AI Watch, offers the first comprehensive look at how chatbot use is showing up in clinical settings.

How Patients Are Using AI Chatbots

The applications vary widely. Thirty-nine percent of psychologists said patients were using AI to self-diagnose mental health conditions, while 33% reported patients using chatbots to assist with therapy or treatment. Another 35% said patients were treating AI as an additional mental health professional.

Beyond clinical uses, patients are forming social connections with chatbots. Twenty-two percent of psychologists reported patients using AI for friendship, and 13% said patients were engaging in intimate relationships with chatbots.

Among psychologists whose patients had developed relationships with chatbots, 71% said those patients discussed their mental health with AI. Sixty-eight percent reported that patients felt supported or validated by the interactions, and 41% said patients were using chatbots to reinforce healthy coping skills.

Dependency and Distorted Thinking Emerge as Concerns

While few psychologists reported overtly unhealthy chatbot use, warning signs are appearing. More than a third—36%—said they noticed patients developing dependency on chatbots. Fifteen percent reported cases involving distorted thinking or delusions related to chatbot interactions.

The survey noted that actual usage may be higher than reported, since it only captured interactions with existing patients and not those who might be relying solely on AI.

These findings align with recent research from City University of New York and King's College London showing that several leading AI models could reinforce delusions, paranoia, and suicidal ideation. Nearly all psychologists surveyed—97%—expressed concern that chatbots may inadvertently reinforce negative behaviors or delusional beliefs.

Why It Matters

The widespread adoption of AI chatbots for mental health support is happening faster than the research, regulation, or clinical guidelines needed to ensure patient safety. With 94% of psychologists saying current chatbots cannot treat conditions with appropriate nuance, the gap between accessibility and clinical adequacy poses real risks—particularly for teens and adolescents seeking affordable alternatives to professional care. AI developers also face mounting legal scrutiny, including wrongful death lawsuits against Google and OpenAI tied to claims that chatbots contributed to suicide, mass violence, and other harms.

Privacy and Professional Care Remain Essential

The APA acknowledged that AI can help users organize thoughts and supplement professional care but emphasized critical limitations. Chatbots are not private, and they should not replace licensed mental health professionals.

"Many people—especially teens and adolescents—may be using AI as a more affordable and accessible option for mental health advice," the survey stated. "However, AI is not a safe or effective replacement for a qualified mental health provider and should be used carefully."

These findings were first reported by AI Watch based on the American Psychological Association survey.