Summary
Provides evidence-informed recommendations for consumers, clinicians, developers, platforms, educators, researchers, and policymakers concerning the use of general-purpose generative-AI chatbots and wellness applications for mental-health support. It addresses clinical limitations, crisis response, emotional dependency, professional misrepresentation, privacy, bias, transparency, validation, and safeguards for vulnerable populations.
Healthcare Implications
Mental-health providers should discuss chatbot use with patients and clarify that these systems do not replace qualified care. Developers should implement disclosure, privacy, crisis-escalation, anti-dependency, bias-testing, and continuing-monitoring safeguards. Policymakers are encouraged to address products marketed as wellness tools but used for mental-health treatment or support.