Help-Seeking in the Age of AI: Cross-Sectional Survey of the Use and Perceptions of AI-Based Mental Health Support Among US Adults

AI appears to be an important component of the mental health help-seeking landscape among respondents in this sample. Although most respondents still preferred human professionals, a subset reported relying on AI tools for comparable support. Ongoing monitoring and ethical guidelines are needed to ensure that AI technologies expand access to care while being safely and effectively integrated into the broader continuum of mental health services.