Teens are turning to AI while human care remains scarce

What parents should know about teens’ reliance on AI for mental health support

CapRadio

What happened: Amid an adolescent mental health crisis and care shortages, about one in five teens use AI chatbots for emotional support, according to EdSource. Experts and schools are exploring how to use the technology responsibly.

Key points:

• Teens acknowledge that while AI can be affirming, it may not provide suitable advice or fully process emotions.
• Companies like Alongside are developing school chatbots with safeguards, while California has enacted a law requiring youth protections.

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Opinion | AI in dementia care could give doctors time to listen

KevinMD

What the author argues: A voice-based AI agent can interview dementia patients before appointments to gather a thorough history. Breithaupt contends this could address clinician time constraints by providing a summary, freeing doctors to listen, build relationships and focus on patient-valued care, based on his pilot-study experience.

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Opinion | Half of mental health apps vanish within 3 years

KevinMD

What the author argues: The disappearance of more than half of mental health apps within three years threatens continuity of care. Gillen argues that survival often depends on business models and basic features such as journaling rather than clinical efficacy, and urges the field to value sustainability over flashy, venture-backed technology.

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