ArticleBehavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland)2025
AI as the Therapist: Student Insights on the Challenges of Using Generative AI for School Mental Health Frameworks.
Article in Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. An erratum has been issued. Cited by 13 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
13 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Generative AI in Youth Mental Health Apps: Rapid Review.JMIR mental health · 2026Pooled it
- Integration of cognitive behavioral therapy and mobile health applications among university students with depression: a qualitative study.International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being · 2026Article
- Educational gaps and factors associated with artificial intelligence adoption among Egyptian periodontists: a multicenter cross-sectional study.Scientific reports · 2026Article
- Exploring Student Perceptions of Generative AI Therapists and Their Benefits and Challenges in Schools.International journal of psychology : Journal international de psychologie · 2026Article
- Exploring Students' Perceptions and Usage of Artificial Intelligence in Supporting Mental Health: A Preliminary Study in Higher Education in Qatar.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- The unintended negative consequences of artificial intelligence use for psychologists.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Article
- AI-Integrated Counseling Administration Quality and Organizational Support as Drivers of Early Risk Detection in Indonesian Schools.F1000Research · 2026Article
- Article
- Artificial intelligence in college students' mental health education: opportunities, challenges, and strategic responses.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Review
- A bridge, not a destination: YouTube viewer perspectives on AI mental health support and human therapy.Frontiers in digital health · 2026Article
- Nursing Students' Perceptions of AI-Driven Mental Health Support and Its Relationship with Anxiety, Depression, and Seeking Professional Psychological Help: Transitioning from Traditional Counseling to Digital Support.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Correction: Chan (2025). AI as the Therapist: Student Insights on the Challenges of Using Generative AI for School Mental Health Frameworks.Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Adolescent mental health in rural settings: the role of artificial intelligence and community engagement.Frontiers in public health · 2025Review
Corrections and comments
- Erratum issued
Authors and funding
1 author.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
The integration of generative AI (GenAI) in school-based mental health services presents new opportunities and challenges. This study focuses on the challenges of using GenAI chatbots as therapeutic tools by exploring secondary school students' perceptions of such applications. The data were collected from students who had both theoretical and practical experience with GenAI. Based on Grodniewicz and Hohol's framework highlighting the "Problem of a Confused Therapist", "Problem of a Non-human Therapist", and "Problem of a Narrowly Intelligent Therapist", qualitative data from student reflections were examined using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that while students acknowledged AI's benefits, such as accessibility and non-judgemental feedback, they expressed significant concerns about a lack of empathy, trust, and adaptability. The implications underscore the need for AI chatbot use to be complemented by in-person counselling, emphasising the importance of human oversight in AI-augmented mental health care. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how advanced AI can be ethically and effectively incorporated into school mental health frameworks, balancing technological potential with essential human interaction.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.