- Young people want humanised AI that complements, not replaces, human care, preserving empathy and relational support in youth mental health services.
- Demand for transparency about algorithms, data use, and limitations so young users can trust, understand, and consent to genAI in mental health support.
- Co-design, personalisation, clear governance, and safe implementation ensure the right tool at the right place and time for diverse youth needs.
NPJ Digit Med. 2026 Jun 19. doi: 10.1038/s41746-026-02888-9. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Conversational generative artificial intelligence agents (or genAI chatbots) could benefit youth mental health, yet young people’s perspectives remain underexplored. We examined the Mental health Intelligence Agent (Mia), a genAI chatbot originally designed for professionals in Australian youth services. Following co-design, 32 young people participated in online workshops exploring their perceptions of genAI chatbots in youth mental health and to develop recommendations for reconceptualising Mia for consumers and integrating it into services. Four themes were developed using reflexive thematic analysis: (1) Humanising AI without dehumanising care, (2) I need to know what’s under the hood, (3) Right tool, right place, right time?, and (4) Making it mine on safe ground. This study offers insights into young people’s attitudes, needs, and requirements regarding genAI chatbots in youth mental health, with key implications for service integration. Additionally, by co-designing system requirements, this work informs the ethics, design, development, implementation, and governance of genAI chatbots in youth mental health contexts.
PMID:42321405 | DOI:10.1038/s41746-026-02888-9
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