Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health

Population Health Research Brief Series

Is AI Replacing Human Mental Health Professionals?

Michiko Ueda

December 2025

Michiko Ueda-Ballmer

Public Administration & International Affairs Department

Center for Aging and Policy Studies

Lerner Center Population Health Research Brief Series

United States

A person smiling with long, dark hair and wearing a red top.

Michiko Ueda-Ballmer

Abstract

An increasing number of Americans are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for mental health support. A new survey of U.S. adults found that nearly 35% use AI tools more than once a week to manage mental health concerns. The findings raise important questions about whether AI is supplementing or replacing traditional mental health care.

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