Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Mental Health
Date Submitted: Jun 12, 2026
Date Accepted: Jul 11, 2026
Exploring Real-world Use of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots for Mental Health Support: A cross-sectional survey study
ABSTRACT
Background:
During the past years, innovations in generative artificial intelligence (AI), in particular large language models (LLMs) in the form of AI chatbots, have found their way to the general public. First studies indicate a growing prevalence of individuals talking to AI chatbots about mental health-related topics, yet knowledge of how, why, and which individuals are using these AI chatbots for their mental health is limited.
Objective:
This study, therefore, aimed to provide insights into the use and users of AI chatbot-delivered mental health support.
Methods:
To do so, an online survey with two Belgian samples was conducted: a student sample and a general public sample. Only individuals that used AI chatbots for mental health support were included in the study, which was approximately 40% of the student sample (the recruitment of the full sample was limited to the individuals using AI for that purpose). Data of 349 participants, 276 members of the general public and 73 students, were included in the analyses.
Results:
Descriptive analyses were used to report the use and users of AI chatbot-delivered mental health support. Most users were women and indicated having received or receiving professional mental health support at the time of the study. The most common conversation topics across both samples focused on personal and interpersonal issues. Freely accessible AI-chatbots, mainly ChatGPT, were the predominant choice in both samples, and were mainly chosen for their constant availability and accessibility. Students also preferred their anonymity, while the general sample also used them because they felt supported by them. The association between digital working alliance and engagement highlights that relational factors might play a role in sustained AI chatbot use but warrants further investigation.
Conclusions:
To conclude, this study confirms that general-purpose AI chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, are being used for obtaining social and emotional support, oftentimes by individuals already familiar with professional mental health support.
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Copyright
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