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1 in 5 teens are using AI for mental health -- Here’s what parents need to know
By Jenny Marchi, Nick Monacelli at WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
A new study finds 1 in 5 teens and young adults are turning to AI when they are feeling sad, stressed or scared.That number has jumped from 13 percent to 19 percent in over the past year.Experts are worried, especially for kids with more serious needs, are using AI instead of getting real help.63...
Key takeaway Carrie Krawiec, licensed marriage and family therapist at Birmingham maple clinic in Troy joined Local 4 Live to tell us what parents should do.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The rising trend of Detroit -area teens turning to AI for mental health support raises concerns about the potential consequences of relying on technology instead of human professionals. With 1 in 5 teens and young adults seeking help from AI, it's crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of the limitations of these tools. The fact that 63% of young people keep their mental health conversations with AI a secret is particularly troubling, as it may indicate a lack of trust in traditional support systems or a reluctance to seek help from adults. As local mental health resources continue to evolve, it's essential for families to have open and honest discussions about the role of AI in mental health support and to explore alternative solutions, such as counseling services, that can provide more comprehensive and personalized care. By doing so, Detroit-area families can ensure that their loved ones receive the help they need to thrive.
About this story
Original reporting by WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News . The Detroit 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 WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A new study finds 1 in 5 teens and young adults are turning to AI when they are feeling sad, stressed or scared.That number has jumped from 13 percent to 19 percent in over the past year.Experts are worried, especially for kids with more serious needs, are using AI instead of getting real help.63...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jenny Marchi, Nick Monacelli at WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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