More than one-third of psychologists, 35%, said patients are using AI as an additional mental health professional, according to American Psychological Association’s 2026 Chatbots and Mental Health Survey.
APA surveyed more than 1,200 licensed psychologists in the U.S. who are directly involved in patient or client care. The survey findings were published in June 2026.
Here are five things to know:
- AI use is becoming common among patients. More than three-quarters of psychologists, 77%, said they have spoken with patients who used AI for support, engagement or other purposes. Another 39% reported patients used AI to self-diagnose.
- Patients are using chatbots for more than therapy support. Psychologists said 33% of patients use AI to assist with therapy or treatment, 34% for self-discipline and behavioral reminders, 22% for friendship and 13% for intimate relationships.
- Many psychologists reported positive experiences. Among psychologists whose patients developed a relationship with a chatbot, 71% said patients discussed their mental health with the technology and 68% said patients felt validated or supported.
- Safety concerns remain widespread. Nearly all psychologists surveyed, 97%, said chatbots may “inadvertently reinforce negative behaviors or delusional beliefs,” while 94% said current chatbots cannot treat conditions with appropriate nuance. Another 89% worried chatbots may inadvertently encourage self-harm.
- Psychologists do not trust tech companies with mental health data. More than 9 in 10 psychologists, 94%, said they do not trust tech companies to protect patients’ private mental health data, and 77% said they strongly feel that way.
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