More than 10 million Britons are now using AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot for personal mental health support, according to new research from cybersecurity firm NymVPN. The survey of 1,000 adults found that 19% of Britons—equivalent to 10.5 million adults—are using AI for mental health therapy, while 30% have entered physical symptoms into chatbots to find out what might be wrong.
The findings come as NHS figures show nearly 440,000 new referrals for mental health services in England in May, with 2.1 million people currently receiving support. However, around 5 million Britons suffer from anxiety or depression, and 1.2 million are waiting to see an NHS mental health specialist.
Experts remain divided on the use of AI for mental health support. Some smartphone apps, such as Wysa, are being rolled out in parts of England and offered to patients on NHS waiting lists as part of a trial. But concerns have been raised that patients who need proper psychiatric care may resort to apps instead of getting the help they need, and that the lack of human involvement could exacerbate mental health issues.
The survey also revealed that 18% of adults use AI for relationship advice, including navigating break-ups. However, almost half of respondents said they were cautious about privacy risks, and 24% said they would not trust an AI chatbot on the NHS with their personal information.
Harry Halpin, CEO of NymVPN, said: 'More people than ever are looking to their GP to provide mental health support, yet budgets for these services are being cut. This demand is pushing millions of people to turn to AI to fill in the gaps.' He advised users not to share names or personal details, to turn on privacy features, and to consider using a VPN.
