Clinicians Raise Concerns Over AI Emotional Support Tools Delaying Treatment

Survey finds majority of mental health providers believe AI tools contribute to delays in seeking professional care.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A new national survey of 174 licensed U.S. mental health clinicians finds that a majority (61.07%) believe the growing use of artificial intelligence emotional-support tools may be contributing to delays in patients seeking appropriate licensed mental health care. The survey, commissioned by behavioral health EHR provider ICANotes, also found that nearly 45% of clinicians are aware of clients using AI-based tools like chatbots and mobile apps for emotional or mental health support before or alongside therapy.

Why it matters

Access to mental health services remains limited nationwide, with nearly half of U.S. adults with a mental illness not receiving any treatment in the past year. Clinicians are concerned that the availability and perceived affordability of AI-based emotional support tools may lead some patients to delay seeking professional care, potentially missing opportunities for early intervention, especially for moderate to severe symptoms.

The details

The survey found that clinicians cited 24-hour availability as the most common reason patients turn to AI tools (64.24%), followed by affordability (37.75%), feeling less intimidated than speaking with a clinician (31.13%), easier access compared to scheduling therapy (30.46%), faster responses (29.14%), greater anonymity (27.81%), difficulty finding a provider (25.17%), insurance barriers (15.89%), and previous negative therapy experiences (9.27%). Patient disclosure of AI use appears inconsistent, with only 9.83% of clinicians saying patients regularly disclose such use.

  • The survey was conducted in February 2026.
  • According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly half (47.9%) of U.S. adults with a mental illness did not receive any mental health treatment in the past year.

The players

ICANotes

A leading electronic health record solution that is purpose-built for behavioral health, used by thousands of mental health professionals across the U.S.

Emily Mendenhall

Professor and Medical Anthropologist at Georgetown University who commented on the broader structural challenges within the U.S. mental health system.

Dr. October Boyles

Behavioral health expert and clinical consultant at ICANotes who emphasized that AI tools are not a substitute for licensed clinical assessment.

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What they’re saying

“Mental health care in the United States is only getting more difficult to access. Because of structural barriers and rapid shifts in AI, the low-cost immediate strategy of AI as therapist may seem like a replacement for people who are struggling and cannot access the care they need.”

— Emily Mendenhall, Professor and Medical Anthropologist

“When individuals delay seeking professional care, especially for moderate to severe symptoms, opportunities for early intervention can be missed. Technology can support clinicians and patients, but it must be implemented thoughtfully, with patient safety and evidence-based practice at the forefront.”

— Dr. October Boyles, Behavioral Health Expert and Clinical Consultant

The takeaway

This survey highlights the need for a balanced approach to incorporating AI-based tools into mental health care, ensuring they complement rather than replace professional treatment, and that patients are not deterred from seeking timely, evidence-based care from licensed clinicians.