Recent research from KFF (formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation) shows that one-third of U.S. adults report using chatbots for health information in the past yearopens in new window. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now as common a resource as social media (29%) for health information, though the public still seeks information from health care professionals (80%) and internet searches (68%) more commonly.
For those seeking mental health information, people are specifically looking up information about:
- symptoms or mental health conditions
- mental health advice and coping skills for stress, insomnia, depression, or anxiety
- treatment options
- opportunities for support or to “talk” through personal concerns with AI
- whether to seek professional mental health care
Those most commonly using AI for mental health information are individuals who are uninsured (30%) and young adults ages 18–29 (28%).
The most common reasons people cited for using AI include:
- wanting quick or immediate information or support (65%)
- looking up information to decide whether to see a health care professional (41%)
- feeling more comfortable looking up information privately (36%)
Notably, younger adults and adults with lower income cited affordability, lack of a regular health care provider, and difficulty getting an appointment as drivers of using AI for health information.
This growth in AI use raises important questions for psychological practice, including how practitioners will talk with their patients about their AI use and help guide them toward safe choices. It is highly likely that most psychologists already have or will encounter scenarios where patients are using AI tools to supplement their care. In light of this, it is important for psychologists to have at least a general understanding of AI and routinely inquire about patients’ use to assess whether the information they are receiving is accurate and aligns with their treatment goals, as well as whether they are displaying any signs of becoming overly reliant on or emotionally attached to the chatbot.
An article recently published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests a simple framework that can help mental professionals begin to have AI-related discussionsopens in new window in a curious, patient-centered way.
Recommendations include:
- Normalize that many people are using AI for support and inquire if the patient has tried any AI tools.
- Explore how the patient has found the tool to be helpful.
- Explore if/how the patient has found the tool to be unhelpful.
- Ask whether you can share some information about AI. If yes, share information and/or concerns that may be relevant, such highlighting that AI can give incorrect information and is not suitable in an emergency.
- Invite ongoing conversations about the patient’s AI use, including possibly bringing outputs to session to discuss.
As AI is accelerating access to mental health information and tailored advice, psychologists have a key role to play in helping their patients safely navigate this rapidly evolving technology. In a clinical context, this begins with psychologists initiating conversations about AI with patients and creating space to explore what they’re finding there.
