Mental Health Awareness Month: Should You Use Chatbots For Mental Health Advice?

Danny Watkins

Luminis Health

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday life. You can get instant answers to almost any question at your fingertips. A recent poll found that about one in three adults nationwide used AI for health-related questions in the past year.

Chatbots are easy to use and can simplify complex health information, helping you understand symptoms, treatments and even plan workouts or diets. They can also prepare you for more productive doctor visits. However, they aren’t a substitute for medical professionals, as missing details can lead to incomplete or misleading advice. This is especially true for mental health, which often requires deeper understanding and professional guidance.

Chatbots and your mental health

You might turn to a chatbot when dealing with a personal or emotional concern. While that can feel helpful in the moment, it’s important not to rely on it too heavily. There are a few signs to watch out for:

• Overuse: You find yourself turning to a chatbot repeatedly and overanalyzing your thoughts or situations.
• Dependence on decisions: You rely on it to make even simple choices, such as weekend plans.
• Catastrophizing: You take responses at face value and begin to assume the worst about your situation.

Teenagers and AI chatbots

With millions of teens using AI chatbots, there’s a good chance your child has tried one. For some, it’s just entertainment. For others, it can fill time when they’re bored or feeling lonely. Over time, these tools can start to feel like companions, always available and responsive.

If your child begins relying on AI for emotional support or reassurance, or struggles to make decisions without it, it might be time to step in. Learning how to make healthy decisions and applying creativity are important milestones that you want them to achieve. Keep in mind, the goal isn’t to take technology away completely but to help your child build a healthy balance.

• Start with an open conversation
  Ask how they’re using AI tools and what they like about them. Keeping the tone curious — not critical — makes it more likely they’ll be honest.
• Set reasonable boundaries
  Create limits around when and how often AI can be used, especially during times meant for schoolwork, family or sleep.
• Encourage real-world connections
  Help your child stay engaged with friends, hobbies and activities that build social skills and confidence outside of a screen.
• Teach them to think critically about AI
  Remind them that chatbots don’t truly understand them and can be wrong. Encourage them to question responses rather than accept them as fact.

Help is here if you need it

If you or your child feels withdrawn, anxious or overly dependent on AI, consider reaching out to a counselor or mental health professional.

Luminis Health is here to help. Visit www.luminis.health/behavioralhealth to make an appointment with a professional near you. Danny Watkins is Luminis Health’s senior director of behavioral health nursing and operations.

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