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37% of UK Adults Use AI for Mental Health, 64% Among 25-34s

June 30, 2026 at 04:26 EDT

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A national survey released by UK charity Mental Health UK on 18 November 2025 found that 37% of UK adults have used AI chatbots for mental health or wellbeing support, rising to 64% among 25-34 year olds.

18 Nov 2025 · Mental Health UK

More than 1 in 3 UK adults now turn to AI chatbots for mental health support

As waiting lists for public services lengthen, 37% of British adults — and 64% of those aged 25-34 — say they have used AI chatbots for their wellbeing. The charity is calling for "urgent safeguards."

37%

of UK adults have used AI for mental health support

64%

among 25-34s — the highest of any age group

2,000

UK adults surveyed, nationally representative

Who is using AI for mental health support

Share within each group · all on the same 0-64% scale

37%

Overall

64%

Aged 25-34

15%

Aged 55+

42%

Men

33%

Women

The safety gap that worries clinicians

How often responses to mental health scenarios were judged appropriate (Stanford, 2025)

60%

General-purpose chatbots

93%

Human clinicians

Why people reach for it

24/7 access, no waiting list
Anonymity and freedom from stigma
Easier to open up than to a person

Why experts urge caution

Accuracy and limits in crisis handling
Data privacy and over-reliance
Not a substitute for professional care

The charity's call

Urgent safeguards are needed before AI tools expose vulnerable people to serious harm.

→ Crisis detection built in

→ Data protection by design

→ Clear links to professionals

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