Colgate’s Dean of the College Division is always considering how to best support students’ mental health through the rigors of college life. A new 2026 report titled “Youth Mental Health in the AI Era” highlighted a shift in how students seek help.
Researchers have found that youth are increasingly turning to Generative AI (GenAI) for emotional support, often because they fear burdening loved ones or because they know they can access it immediately without judgment. Unfortunately, this can lead to further isolation. When a student turns to an administrator, faculty member, coach, or friend for support, the University community can step in and assist. When only GenAI is consulted, nobody knows, and the student continues to struggle on their own.
As parents, it is important to understand both the appeal and the risks of these tools. According to the report, students who face barriers to care, such as cost, social anxiety, or a lack of perceived support, are 2.3 times more likely to use GenAI for mental health. They may seek immediate validation, emotional regulation, or information about how to cope better with a situation they are facing. Sometimes the advice GenAI provides is helpful. We recommend, however, that if GenAI is used for mental health support, it be considered a bridge to professional help rather than the endpoint.
While AI may seem like a convenient resource, there are several cautions important to consider. First, students may use GenAI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) rather than specialized mental health resources. These platforms are not programmed to handle clinical crises or provide evidence-based therapy. Second, GenAI can reinforce isolation when it becomes a substitute for human care rather than a path toward it. This can leave students disconnected from those — such as parents, deans, and counselors — who can help the most. Nearly one in four young people regretted sharing deeply personal information with AI, citing concerns over privacy and the disingenuous interaction after the initial relief wore off.
At Colgate, we are staying ahead of these trends to ensure our support systems remain relevant. We want you to know that while AI is part of the modern toolbox for many students, it is no replacement for the professional services provided at Counseling and Psychological Services. We have an exceptionally strong counseling staff ready to assist your student. We offer walk-in hours Monday through Friday to guarantee accessibility, and all our services are free and confidential. We use evidence-based treatment approaches that have a long history of supporting students.
We encourage you to talk with your students about their digital habits. Remind them that while a chatbot can offer comforting words and some general information, it cannot provide the safety, privacy, and genuine empathy of a trained mental health professional. We are here to help.
Data Source: Surgo Health and The JED Foundation (2026). Youth Mental Health in the AI Era: How GenAI Enters Help-Seeking Pathways.