What is Mental Health UK warning about AI chatbots?

Mental Health UK is warning that without proper safeguards, vulnerable people risk being exposed to serious harm from unreliable information provided by AI chatbots being used for mental health support.

How many people have used AI chatbots for their mental health?

According to a recent survey, over a third (37%) of adults have used an AI chatbot to support their mental health or wellbeing.

What are some of the risks identified with using AI chatbots for mental health?

The survey found that 11% of people said they had received harmful information on suicide from the chatbots, and 9% said the chatbots had triggered self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Home / Health / Charity Warns of Risks as AI Chatbots Become Mental Health Lifeline

Charity Warns of Risks as AI Chatbots Become Mental Health Lifeline

18 Nov

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Summary

Over a third of adults have used AI chatbots for mental health support
11% received harmful information on suicide, 9% experienced self-harm triggers
Charity calls for urgent safeguards to ensure AI uses only reputable sources

Charity Warns of Risks as AI Chatbots Become Mental Health Lifeline

As of November 18th, 2025, a concerning trend has emerged - overstretched mental health services are driving people to seek support from AI chatbots. A recent survey conducted by Mental Health UK found that more than a third of adults (37%) have used this technology to manage their wellbeing.

While some users reported benefits, such as avoiding potential mental health crises or being directed to suicide prevention hotlines, the data also reveals significant risks. Alarmingly, 11% of respondents said they had received harmful information about suicide from the chatbots, and 9% experienced triggers for self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Mental Health UK is now urgently calling for safeguards to be put in place. The charity's chief executive, Brian Dow, warns that without ensuring AI tools only use information from reputable sources like the NHS, "we risk exposing vulnerable people to serious harm." The survey found most people are turning to general-purpose platforms like ChatGPT rather than mental health-specific programs, further heightening the concerns.