Tips for Clinicians to Help Manage Adolescent Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbot Use for Mental Health
Date Posted: Friday, April 17, 2026Abstract
This tip sheet provides practical guidance for clinicians on navigating adolescent use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for mental health support. As platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, and Character.AI become integrated into adolescents’ daily lives, clinicians should routinely assess and monitor chatbot use, understanding both the potential benefits and risks.
The document outlines strategies for opening nonjudgmental dialogues with adolescents, educating them on the distinctions between AI chatbots and evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and identifying warning signs that require professional involvement. Further, it emphasizes the importance of developing safety protocols and alternative coping strategies, engaging parents or caregivers, and offering crisis resources. The recommendations aim to help mental health providers address the complexities of AI-powered digital interactions to safeguard adolescent well-being.
Subject Area
Clinical Guidelines, Digital Literacy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Transition Age Youth
Keywords
Adolescents, Mental health, AI chatbots, Tips, Digital safety, Therapeutic intervention, Crisis intervention, Parent involvement
Suggested Citation
Suggested Citation: Kelly, M. M., Logan, D., Moore, P. S., & Dvir, Y. (2026). Tips for Clinicians to Help
Manage Adolescent Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbot Use for Mental Health. Psychiatry Information
in Brief. Worcester, MA: UMass Chan Medical School, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences,
Implementation Science and Practice Advances Research Center (iSPARC), Transitions to Adulthood
Center for Research.
This is a publication of the Implementation Science and Practice Advances Research Center (iSPARC) a
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Research Center of Excellence. The contents of this tip sheet
were supported with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. The contents of this
tip sheet do not necessarily represent the policy of MA DMH, NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS and you should not
assume endorsement by local or the Federal Government.
