Does everyone find AI mental health apps helpful?
By Siri Bandagiriye · No. Some people find talking to software empty, and that's a fair reaction. Research also links turning to AI for companionship with more emotional isolation over time. If an app isn't helping you, or is replacing people, stop.
No. Some people find talking to software strange or empty, and that is a fair reaction. Others use it a lot and slowly pull away from people. A 2026 study that followed 2,149 adults for a year found that turning to AI for companionship more often predicted more emotional isolation months later.
That is why Saati has no streaks, no daily reminders and no scores to chase.
If it isn't helping you, stop. If you notice you're talking to it instead of to people, that is a sign to put the phone down and call someone.
What the research says
In a national Canadian poll, three out of four people who used AI and virtual mental health services found them effective, but only 14% trust AI tools and just 2% trust them completely.2
Real-world data on 93 popular mental health apps found a median of just 3.9% of users were still using an app 15 days after installing it.3
The American Psychological Association warns against unhealthy dependence on chatbots and calls for specific safeguards for children, teens and other vulnerable groups.4
Written by Siri Bandagiriye
I've been a Buddhist monk and mindfulness teacher for 30 years, and for six years a chaplain with Correctional Service Canada, sitting with people in crisis. I built Saati in Halifax as a companion for the ordinary hard days. If you'd like to see what it's like, it's free to try.
References
- Folk & Dunn (2026), Psychological Science, 37(4), 276-286
- Mental Health Commission of Canada, national poll on AI and virtual care (with Mental Health Research Canada) (2026)
- Journal of Medical Internet Research, Baumel et al., Objective user engagement with mental health apps (2019)
- American Psychological Association, Health Advisory on AI chatbots and wellness apps (2025)