AI Chatbots for Mental Health: How the Mindsum AI Bot Supports Young People
May 19, 2025
As a young person, have you ever felt overwhelmed, anxious, or concerned about your mental health? You’re not alone. Young people’s mental health and well-being are a growing concern, due to factors such as social media pressures and stress. According to an NHS study in 2023, 1 in 5 children and young people had a probable mental disorder. Unfortunately, it is difficult for many people to access timely support. From 2023 to 2024, 52% more young people waited over a year for treatment services after referral, with an average wait time of 392 days. Long wait times mean young people are going without the support they need, which can lead to feelings of isolation and worsening symptoms.
With this increasing pressure on traditional mental health services, digital alternatives such as AI chatbots are emerging to offer more support. More people are using digital support and AI chatbots, with one study finding that nearly 60% of people who use AI chatbots began using them during COVID-19. While they are not a replacement for professional care and therapy, AI chatbots can help support mental health.
Did you know that Mindsum has developed its own AI chatbot to support you? It is easy to access via the Mindsum website and can provide informational resources, self-help information and support options. It is available any time of day, is anonymous, and is developed to be easy to use. Whether you are feeling anxious, sad, or just want a platform to talk, Mindsum AI Bot can help. Read on to learn more about how AI chatbots can support mental healthcare and how the Mindsum AI Bot can support you.
How can AI Chatbots help your mental health?
AI chatbots can be an incredibly useful resource for supporting mental health, offering a convenient and accessible way to check in with yourself, explore emotions, and feel less alone.
Convenient support that is always there
AI chatbots can be easier for young people to access for supplementary support. AI chatbots are available online 24/7, so you can get support at any time, whether you are lying awake at 2 a.m. or taking a break from a stressful assignment. You don’t need to book an appointment or wait a long time for replies; you can just open the chatbot and start talking.
An approachable first step
Mental health should be something we all feel comfortable talking about, but starting the conversation isn’t always easy. AI chatbots can make support easier to reach by offering a low-pressure, judgment-free space that is there when you are ready. This can be incredibly helpful if you aren’t quite ready to talk to a friend, family member, or professional but want to take that first step. Some people also use it alongside therapy as a way to stay supported between sessions.
A safe space to open up
Sometimes it can be hard to talk to someone about how you are feeling. A chatbot offers a private and non-judgmental space where you can say whatever is on your mind. It can help you understand your emotions, reflect on what is going on, and help you feel less alone.
Backed up by evidence-based techniques
While AI chatbots are not a replacement for professional therapy, many are designed using proven approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness strategies. They might guide you through breathing exercises, help you reframe a negative thought, or offer a welcoming space to express your feelings.
A supportive tool - not a substitute
You can think of AI chatbots as one part of your mental health toolkit. They are not suitable for crisis or emergencies, and they are not a replacement for licensed professionals. They can offer extra support when you need someone, or something, to talk to.
What is the Mindsum AI Bot?
Everyone can benefit from a little extra support sometimes, and that is where the Mindsum AI Bot comes in. Available at any time, day or night, it is there.
Powered by OpenAI, the Mindsum AI Bot uses custom-trained models of techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and mediation techniques. It is designed to be simple, supportive, and easy to talk to.
You could think of it like a digital companion. It is not a real person and it is not trying to replace a therapist. It can support you in exploring your feelings and is a tool you can use to take that first step or gain extra support alongside other resources. Whether you are checking in daily or once in a while, Mindsum AI Bot is there for you.
Mindsum believes that mental health support should be easy to access and available whenever it is needed. By creating the chatbot, the Mindsum platform provides you with an accessible and convenient method to access information and receive support when you need it.
How can the Mindsum AI Bot help you?
The Mindsum AI Bot can support you with a wide range of mental health topics. In a world that moves quickly and can feel overwhelming, having something you can turn to can make a big difference. The chatbot is here to support you, helping you take meaningful steps toward supporting your wellbeing. You can type your question or choose from the topics provided. Everything is organised into four main categories, so you can find what you need. These categories are:
- Mental health conditions: Explore information on mental health conditions such as Anxiety Disorder, OCD, or PTSD
- Feelings and behaviours: Get supportive information on topics such as stress, bullying, panic attacks, or phobias
- Support and assistance: Such as diagnosis support, signposting mental health services, or chronic illnesses
- Life transitions and challenges: You can talk through career decisions, grief, loneliness, and other big life changes
For example, if you have been experiencing panic attacks, you can either ask a specific question that you have about them or you can go to the “Feelings and behaviours” category, click on “Panic attacks”, and choose from one of the questions provided such as “What should I do if I have a panic attack?”. The Mindsum AI Bot will then provide you with information and strategies. You can then continue the conversation from there or pick another provided question.
Conversations with Mindsum AI Bot are completely anonymous and private. It is a safe and judgment-free space for you to talk about what is on your mind. You don’t need to have everything you want to say planned out; you can just start typing, and the chatbot will help guide the conversation.
You can send up to 15 messages every 24 hours; this helps keep the chatbot available for everyone who needs support. It is also available 24/7, so you can get support whenever you need, no matter the time of day.
Other considerations of using the Mindsum AI Bot
When using any form of artificial intelligence (AI), it is important to be aware of potential limitations or things to consider, and the Mindsum AI Bot is no exception. Mindsum AI Bot can be a helpful tool, but just like any tool, it works best when used alongside trusted supports, such as talking to professionals.
While it is a helpful supplementary tool, there are some key things to keep in mind to make sure you are using it safely and effectively.
It is not a substitute for professional advice or therapy
Firstly, Mindsum AI Bot is not a substitute for professional advice. As it is AI, it may not respond with appropriate responses. While it is designed to offer support, information, and a space to talk, it is not a replacement for speaking to a trained therapist or other professional.
It is not suitable for crises or emergencies
It is also important to know that Mindsum AI Bot cannot respond to crisis or emergencies. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis situation, it is essential to contact a trusted adult, a crisis helpline, or emergency services to get the support you need.
You can find more details about Mindsum AI Bot’s limitations, eligibility requirements, and how it works by visiting Mindsum’s AI Bot FAQ page.
Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about how AI chatbots can support your mental health. Whether you are already getting support or starting to look at your options, the Mindsum AI Bot exists to make it easier. At Mindsum, we believe in making mental health support and resources easy to access for everyone, so why not try our chatbot today? See the different ways it can support you, and you can provide us with feedback so we can keep making it better.
Remember, Mindsum also helps you connect with mental health professionals, who offer a free initial consultation.