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College Students' Trust in Generative AI for Mental Health
Cindy H Liu1,2, Tiffany Yip3
1Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston.
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|July 30, 2026
Summary
College students show varied trust in generative artificial intelligence (AI) for mental health needs. Trust differs significantly by student identity, not clinical factors, highlighting the need for personalized discussions about AI use.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Health
Background:
- Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used for health information.
- Understanding college students' trust in AI for mental health is crucial.
- Existing research has not fully explored demographic and clinical correlates of AI trust in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine college students' trust in generative AI for mental health information and decision-making.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with AI trust among undergraduates.
- To inform healthcare providers about student AI usage in mental health contexts.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 926 undergraduates at two institutions (2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study).
- Analysis of demographic and clinical correlates of dichotomized trust ratings in generative AI for mental health.
- Comparison of trust levels across various identity groups (e.g., sexual orientation, international status, race/ethnicity) and clinical characteristics.
Main Results:
- 31% of students trusted AI for mental health information; 13% trusted AI for mental health decisions.
- Trust in AI varied significantly by identity: LGBQ students trusted AI less, while international and Asian students trusted AI more.
- No significant association found between trust and severe depression, anxiety, or therapy history; however, students with a psychiatric diagnosis trusted AI less for information.
Conclusions:
- College students' trust in AI for mental health is influenced by identity factors more than clinical characteristics.
- Healthcare providers should proactively inquire about patients' use of AI for mental health information and decisions.
- Findings underscore the need for tailored approaches when discussing AI tools with diverse student populations.
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