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Teens increasingly turning to AI for mental health support, study finds
By KTVU FOX 2 News
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
A growing number of teenagers is turning to AI for mental health support. According to a new survey, 1 in 5 Americans between the ages of 12 and 21 are using it for emotional advice. Dr. Alison Giovanelli, a psychologist in pediatrics at UCSF, joined us on 'The Nine' for insight into why the advi...
Key takeaway According to a new survey, 1 in 5 Americans between the ages of 12 and 21 are using it for emotional advice.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The trend of teenagers seeking mental health support from AI raises concerns in San Francisco , where access to traditional counseling services can be limited by long waitlists and high costs. As a hub for tech innovation, the city's youth may be more likely to turn to AI-powered tools for emotional advice, potentially exacerbating the issue. Dr. Alison Giovanelli's expertise from UCSF provides a crucial local perspective on the risks associated with relying on AI for mental health support. The fact that 1 in 5 American teenagers are using AI for emotional advice suggests a need for increased investment in traditional counseling services and education on the limitations of AI in addressing complex mental health issues. San Francisco's community leaders and healthcare providers must consider the implications of this trend and work to ensure that local youth have access to safe and effective mental health resources.
About this story
Original reporting by KTVU FOX 2 News . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTVU FOX 2 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KTVU FOX 2 News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A growing number of teenagers is turning to AI for mental health support. According to a new survey, 1 in 5 Americans between the ages of 12 and 21 are using it for emotional advice. Dr. Alison Giovanelli, a psychologist in pediatrics at UCSF, joined us on 'The Nine' for insight into why the advi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KTVU FOX 2 News and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KTVU FOX 2 News. To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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