A growing number of Americans are turning to AI chatbots for mental health-related support, not only for convenience but to avoid stigma and fear of being judged, according to a new survey released by Cognitive FX.

The survey, conducted among U.S. adults who reported using AI chatbots for mental health concerns, found that 35.25% of respondents said they primarily rely on chatbots due to fear of judgment, a factor that ranked higher than traditional barriers such as cost and appointment delays.

By comparison, 32% cited the high cost of therapy as a major reason for avoiding human support, while 22.5% pointed to long wait times to access care. The findings suggest that even when professional help is available, many people remain hesitant to open up because of embarrassment, stigma, or anxiety over how others might react.

AI as the first response

The survey also indicates a shift in how people seek help when mental health issues arise. Nearly 43.75% of respondents said they turn to an AI chatbot first, before speaking to friends, family, or medical professionals.

In contrast, 32.75% said they would reach out to friends or family first, and 21.75% said they would approach a doctor as their initial step. Researchers say the preference for AI may reflect a growing demand for private, immediate, and controlled conversations—especially for people who feel uncomfortable discussing emotional struggles openly.

Negative reactions push people away from human support

The report highlights how real-world responses can shape help-seeking behavior. About 16.75% of respondents said they experienced discouraging reactions when they tried to open up to others about mental health, while 22.75% described the response they received as neutral or unhelpful.

Cognitive FX noted that such experiences can reduce a person’s willingness to seek human support again, making the predictable and nonjudgmental nature of chatbot responses more appealing.

Accuracy concerns remain a major risk

Despite the perceived emotional safety, the survey raises concerns about reliability. 41.2% of respondents reported receiving occasionally wrong or misleading advice from AI chatbots. While 45.25% said they had not noticed misleading guidance, the findings underline the risks of using general-purpose AI tools for sensitive mental health concerns.

Experts have repeatedly warned that AI systems are not a substitute for trained clinical judgment, particularly in high-risk situations, because chatbots may fail to understand context, emotional nuance, or crisis indicators.

Routine use is becoming common

AI chatbots are no longer used only during moments of crisis. The survey found that 38% of respondents use AI chatbots weekly for emotional support. Another 21.75% reported using them daily, while 22.25% said they use them monthly, signaling that AI is increasingly being integrated into everyday mental-health coping routines.

When asked about mental health triggers, respondents most frequently cited financial stress (30.5%) as the leading driver of emotional strain. Loneliness (21.25%) was the second most common factor, followed by family issues and childhood trauma (each around 15%). Nearly 10% cited work-life balance pressures.

Why it matters

The findings point to a broader issue beyond technology adoption: the role of stigma, emotional safety, and trust in how people seek support. While chatbots may offer short-term relief and low-pressure conversation, the survey’s results also reinforce the importance of safe, empathetic human care and the need for clearer safeguards around AI tools used for mental health.