Artificial Intelligence & Mental Health

Written By Jillian Toale

People turn to AI for non-judgmental, immediate support.

While AI technology can strengthen families and communities, it also raises questions about privacy, bias, and equitable access. To truly benefit from AI, we must place ethics, education, and humanity at the center.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we think about healthcare. From hospitals to our homes, AI offers tools that can personalize care, detect illness earlier, and expand access to resources.

We don’t have to look far to see this shift in action. Every day, millions of people turn to tools like ChatGPT with deeply personal mental health questions. And these questions reveal both the opportunities and challenges of AI in care.

What people ask AI about mental health

The most common questions users ask ChatGPT include:

  • “Do I have anxiety, depression, or ADHD?”

  • “How can I calm down during a panic attack?”

  • “What therapy is best for trauma?”

  • “How do I support a loved one with depression?”

  • “How do I prevent burnout at work or school?”

These questions aren’t trivial. They reflect a global hunger for accessible, non-judgmental guidance. They also show us that AI is already serving as a first stop for many seeking help.

What this means for healthcare

  • AI as a first touchpoint
    People use AI to explore symptoms and coping strategies. AI is a potential entry point to care and can help guide users toward professional support.

  • Community and family impact
    Many questions are about helping loved ones or navigating relationships. AI can strengthen community and family bonds by making mental health knowledge more accessible.

  • Ethics and equity
    If people rely on AI for life changing guidance, we must ensure the information is unbiased, safe, and understandable—especially for those with fewer resources or less knowledgable about digital support.

  • Prevention and daily wellness
    From burnout to healthy routines, AI can help teach preventive strategies that improve well-being before crises occur.

Takeaways for professionals and clients

  • For clients: AI can be a supportive companion, offering strategies and resources at your fingertips. But it’s not a replacement for therapy or medical care—it’s a bridge.

  • For professionals: AI offers a glimpse into the real concerns people carry with them but may not voice in the office. These insights can shape how we deliver care, design systems, and advocate for equity.

  • For leaders across industries: Whether you’re in healthcare, education, or technology, the message is clear—AI must evolve responsibly, always keeping human needs at the center.

Final Thought

The questions people ask ChatGPT remind us of something profound: behind every algorithm is a human seeking connection, clarity, and care. AI has the power to transform healthcare—but only if we design it to serve people, families, and communities with compassion and equity.



This article was inspired by Dr. Omid Panahi’s publication, Health in the Age of AI: A Family and Community Focus, published in 2025. Read the publication here: https://doi.org/10.22259/2638-4787.0801003

Jillian Toale
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