Why Teens Are Turning to AI for Mental Health | Caroline Figueroa

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of youth mental health challenges, including suicide and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised.Health Affairs Publishing’s Kathleen Haddad welcomes Caroline Figueroa of Stanford University to the pod to discuss how teens are using AI chatbots for mental health support and the factors driving that use, including access and stigma. It also discusses emerging concerns and potential approaches to improving safety, design, and oversight of these tools. Join us on June 23 for an exclusive Insider virtual event examining how antitrust policy in health care is evolving at both the federal and state levels, featuring insights from Katherine Gudiksen, Leemore Dafny, and Nathan Hostert.Also, learn more about the upcoming AcademyHealth 2026 Annual Research Meeting from May 30 to June 2 featuring Caroline Figueroa as part of the panel, A Responsible Approach to AI Innovation to Support the Mental Health of Young People.Related Links:Responsible AI for Youth Mental Health (Hopelab)Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions (common sense media)One in Eight Adolescents and Young Adults Use AI Chatbots for Mental Health Advice (RAND)Towards responsible AI for adolescent mental health and well-being2026 CHATBOT LEGISLATION TRACKERSign up for Health Affairs' free newsletter to catch up on our new articles, podcasts, and events.