It is late, you can't sleep, and the thought that keeps circling is not something you feel ready to say out loud to anyone you know. So you open an app and type it to a chatbot instead, and a reply comes back within seconds. If that sounds familiar, you are in good company, and there is nothing embarrassing about it.
How many Australians are doing this
Beyond Blue's latest national wellbeing survey asked about generative AI for the first time this year, and found that around one in six Australian adults had used it for mental health advice or support (Medical Republic, 2026). That makes AI one of the more common places people turn, behind the people we know and mental health professionals. The same survey found that 41 per cent of Australians sought support for their mental health in the past year, up from 37 per cent in 2022 (Beyond Blue, 2026).
In other words, more people are reaching out, and they are using every door available to them. That is a good thing, and it is worth being clear about what each of those doors can and can't offer.
Why people turn to AI first
People in the survey said they were drawn to AI because it is easy to access, available at any hour, private, and free or close to it (Medical Republic, 2026). Those are real needs, and they say a lot about how hard it can feel to take the first step with a person. Typing to a chatbot carries no fear of judgement, no waiting room, and no worry about saying the wrong thing. For people who have found it hard to open up in the past, that sense of safety can be the thing that gets them thinking about support at all.
Where AI can genuinely help
Used thoughtfully, AI tools can be a reasonable starting point. They can help with things like:
Putting words to a feeling you have not been able to name
Explaining a term you have heard, such as burnout, panic attack or rumination
Suggesting simple grounding or breathing exercises when you feel overwhelmed
Helping you jot down what you want to say before an appointment
Pointing you towards reputable services and helplines
Where it falls short
The tricky part is that a chatbot sounds confident whether or not it is right. It doesn't know your history, can't notice what you leave unsaid, and has no way of following up if things get worse. Beyond Blue's clinical lead noted that AI tools are weaker on safety, context and accuracy, and the report called for proper guardrails around their use (Medical Republic, 2026).
Most people seem to sense this already, with a large majority of survey respondents saying they had concerns about accuracy, empathy and the risk of harmful information. About seven per cent of AI users said they were using it instead of professional support, and that is the group where gaps are most likely to open up.
Signs it is time to talk to a person
A chatbot can be a helpful first step, although it works best as a bridge rather than the destination. It is a good idea to reach out to a psychologist or your GP if:
You keep returning to the same worry and it is not easing
Low mood, anxiety or stress has lasted more than a couple of weeks
Sleep, work, study or relationships are starting to suffer
You are relying on the chatbot every day just to get through
Something from your past keeps resurfacing and feels too big to handle alone
What a psychologist offers is something AI can't, which is a real relationship built over time. A good therapist remembers your story, notices patterns you might miss, adjusts their approach as you change, and is trained to respond safely when things feel heavy.
At Valentia Health, plenty of our clients tell us they spent months searching online before booking a first session. We see that as part of the process rather than something to feel sheepish about, and we are happy to start wherever you are, whether that is in person at our Taringa clinic or by telehealth anywhere in Australia.
Taking the next step
If you have been talking things through with a chatbot, it may be a sign you are ready for a conversation with someone who can walk alongside you. Medicare rebates are available with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, and you can book or find out more at valentiahealth.com.au or by calling (07) 3544 6748.
References
Beyond Blue. (2026, October 8). More people seeking early support as Australia's mental health remains under pressure. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about/media/media-releases/australias-mental-health-survey-2026
Tobler, H. (2026, October 8). One in six Aussies turn to AI for mental health support. Medical Republic. https://www.medicalrepublic.com.au/one-in-six-aussies-turn-to-ai-for-mental-health-support/129842
This post is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional psychological advice. If you are in crisis, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000.