In this Secured clip, Dr. Jacqueline Benson, licensed clinical psychologist and Founder & CEO of Center Stage Psychology, addresses a growing concern: teens turning to AI for mental health support.

Dr. Benson makes a critical distinction — AI is not mental health treatment. While AI tools can provide information and function as digital resources, they were not designed to replace licensed professionals. Mental health care requires years of clinical training and, just as importantly, real-time human judgment. Effective therapy is individualized, responsive, and deeply human — something AI cannot replicate.

She also warns that while AI can offer helpful information, it can just as easily surface harmful or inaccurate content. In vulnerable moments, that misinformation can do real damage. Emerging cases have already shown AI interactions worsening psychotic symptoms or even encouraging suicidality in teens.

Dr. Benson emphasizes that licensed mental health professionals must play an active role in shaping ethical safeguards around AI systems, particularly because the populations most likely to rely on these tools — adolescents and vulnerable individuals — are also those most at risk.

For parents, her advice is clear: stay engaged. Learn about AI alongside your children. Have open conversations. And when serious mental health concerns arise, prioritize support from trusted, licensed professionals over quick digital responses.

Speed and accessibility do not equal safety — especially when it comes to mental health.